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7
Building types
Centre for Excellence in
Universal Design
Creating an environment that can be used by all
people, regardless of their age, size, disability or
ability.
II
Building for Everyone
Booklet 7 - Building types
i
Contents
7.0 Objectives 5
7.1 Introduction 6
7.2 Terminology 9
7.3 Design Issues 10
7.4 Transport Buildings 11
7.4.1 Location 12
7.4.2 Size and layout 13
7.4.3 Passenger facilities 16
7.4.4 Travel information 18
7.5 Office Buildings 23
7.5.1 Entrances and circulation 23
7.5.2 Internal environment 24
7.5.3 Workstations and storage 25
7.6 Retail Outlets and Shopping Centres 27
7.6.1 Internal circulation 27
7.6.2 Display and storage in shops 28
7.6.3 Counters and checkouts 31
7.6.4 Fitting rooms 34
7.6.5 Equipment and assistance in shops 37
7.7 Restaurants, Bars and Cafés 39
7.7.1 Layout and seating 40
7.7.2 Self-service facilities 42
7.7.3 Customer service and management 44
7.7.4 Outdoor smoking areas 45
7.8 Museums, Galleries and Libraries 47
7.8.1 Information and interpretation 49
7.8.2 Displays and exhibits 51
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7.8.3 Study areas 54
7.8.4 Library shelving 57
7.9 Entertainment, Conference and Lecture Facilities 59
7.9.1 Audience seating 60
7.9.2 Performers’ facilities 63
7.9.3 Speakers’ facilities 64
7.10 Religious Buildings 65
7.10.1 Facilities for seating and prayer 67
7.10.2 Other facilities in religious buildings 68
7.11 Hotel, Guest and Residential Accommodation 69
7.11.1 Bedrooms 71
7.11.2 Bathrooms 79
7.12 Housing 80
7.12.1 Car parking 81
7.12.2 Setting-down points 82
7.12.3 External approach 83
7.12.4 Entrances 85
7.12.5 Horizontal circulation in housing 87
7.12.6 Vertical circulation in housing 89
7.12.7 Services in housing 92
7.12.8 Individual rooms 93
7.13 Historic Buildings and Sites 94
7.13.1 Conservation principles 97
7.13.2 Making changes to historic buildings 98
7.13.3 Detailed design of historic buildings 99
7.13.3.1 Entrances 99
7.13.3.2 Doors 100
7.13.3.3 Ramps 100
7.13.3.4
Staircases 101
7.13.3.5
Platform lifts 102
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7.14 Outdoor Access 104
7.14.1 Types of landscape 107
7.14.1.1 Natural landscape 107
7.14.1.2 Tempered landscape 109
7.14.1.3 Urban landscape 110
7.14.1.4 Tamed landscape 110
7.14.2 Mountains 112
7.14.3 Peatlands 115
7.14.4 Beaches 116
7.14.5 Conservation areas 117
7.14.6 Viewing points 118
7.14.7 Country parks 120
7.14.8 Woodlands and arboreta 122
7.14.9 Picnic areas 125
7.14.10 Campsites and caravan parks 126
7.14.11 Waterways 127
7.14.12 Archaeological sites 130
7.14.13 Temporary events 130
7.14.14 Parks 132
7.14.15 Cemeteries 133
7.14.16 Playgrounds, play structures and equipment 134
7.14.17 Gardens and courtyards 136
iv
7.0 Objectives
The guidance in this booklet promotes the concept and philosophy of universal
design and encourages developers, designers, builders and building managers
to be innovative and think creatively about solutions that meet the needs of all
building users.
5
7.1 Introduction
This booklet is part of the series “Building for Everyone – A Universal Design
Approach,” which aims to provide practical guidance on the universal design of
buildings, places and facilities.
Universal design places human diversity at the heart of the design process so
that buildings and environments can be designed to meet the needs of all users.
It therefore covers all persons regardless of their age or size and those who have
any particular physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual ability or disability.
It is about achieving good design so that people can access, use and understand
the environment to the greatest extent and in the most independent and natural
manner possible, without the need for adaptations or specialised solutions (see full
definition in Appendix A1).
People of diverse abilities should be able to use buildings and places comfortably
and safely, as far as possible without special assistance. People should be able to
find their way easily, understand how to use building facilities such as intercoms or
lifts, know what is a pedestrian facility, and know where they may encounter traffic.
Given the wide diversity of the population, a universal design approach that caters
for the broadest range of users from the outset can result in buildings and places
that can be used and enjoyed by everyone. That approach eliminates or reduces the
need for expensive changes or retro fits to meet the needs of particular groups at a
later stage.
6
It is good practice to ascertain the needs of the range of expected users as early
as possible, and to check the practicality and usability of emerging designs with a
diverse user panel.
Designing for one group can result in solutions that address the needs of many
others. For example:
• level entry (Step-free) entrances facilitate not just wheelchair users but
also people with buggies; people with suitcases or shopping trolleys;
people using walking or mobility aids; and people with visual difficulties
• larger toilet compartments provide easier access to wheelchair users;
those with luggage or parcels; parents with pushchairs or
accompanying small children; those using walking or mobility aids; and
larger-sized people.
• clear, well-placed signage that uses recognised symbols or pictograms
helps people with reading or cognitive difficulties, and those whose first
language is neither English nor Irish
Sometimes one solution will not suit all and a range of options will need to be
provided, for example:
• providing both steps and a ramp where there is a change in level
• providing parking ticket machines that offer slots at different heights
to facilitate use at standing height, at sitting height, and by people of
small stature
Those who commission, design, construct or manage any part of the built and
made environment also have a duty of care to adhere to relevant legislation and
regulations including equality legislation, building regulations and health and
safety regulations.
7
The guidance is based on a best practice approach drawing on up to date
international best practice, guidelines and standards; previous guidance by the
National Disability Authority; and extends beyond disability access matters to
incorporate a universal design approach. The series is fully compatible with Part M
(2010) of the Building Regulations and associated Technical Guidance Documents
related to Part M.
A disability access certificate is required for new buildings other than dwellings
(including apartment buildings) and certain other works (as set out in Article
20 D (1) of SI 351 of 2009) to which the Requirements of Part M of the Building
Regulations apply, which commence or take place on or after 1 January 2012.
Further details on these and other relevant standards, codes of practice, and
professional codes of practice are listed in Appendix A3 Further Reading.
The detailed guidance provided here does not represent the only possible solution.
Designers may come up with other ways to meet a diversity of users. New materials
and technologies that emerge may open up further possibilities of accommodating
the diversity of the population.
Checklists are provided throughout the series and while they provide a summary
of main considerations and technical criteria, they should not be regarded as a
substitute for the main text or an exhaustive list.
The electronic version is produced in accessible PDF format in accordance with the
Web Content Access Guidelines 2.0. If you have any difficulties in this regard or
require the document, or particular sections, in alternative formats, please contact
the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design at the National Disability Authority,
info@ceud.ie or (01) 6080400.
8
7.2 Terminology
Accessible Facilities – Facilities that are designed for all users of a building
or external environment, including the young and old, and those of all sizes,
abilities, and disabilities.
Lift core – A standard industry term for the lift/lift shaft used to service an
apartment complex / multi-story building.
Plinth – The base or platform upon which a structure or fixed furniture fixture,
such as a cupboard, rests.
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7.3 Design Issues
Every building has a particular function or range of functions, and its design
should ensure that people working in or visiting the building can access and use
its facilities.
Some buildings or parts of buildings, such as shops and offices, have only one
specific function and should generally conform to guidelines pertinent to these
building types. Other buildings, however – particularly larger, multi-use buildings
such as community halls – require designers and developers to think more
creatively so that the use of the building can be easily adapted to achieve a range
of functions. Multi-use buildings are likely to require the careful interpretation
and application of a wide range of design guidelines to ensure they are flexible in
use, but still convenient and accessible to all.
The use of materials, detailing and general appearance may differ widely for
buildings serving a range of purposes, yet the overall aim is the creation of
buildings and environments that are universally designed.
In the broadest sense, all types of building, new and old, and all types of
landscape, should to the greatest extent possible be accessible to all people in
Ireland and to all its visitors, to the greatest extent possible.
10
7.4 Transport Buildings
This section covers bus, coach and railway stations, harbour and airport terminals,
and motorway service areas. Taxi ranks are covered in Booklet 1: External
environment and approach, Section 1.4.8.
The provision of universally designed transport starts not at the door of the bus,
train, boat or aeroplane, but at the point where someone leaves their home or
workplace to undertake a journey.
11
Image 7.1 Example of a well-lit, accessible bus stop with seating provided for
those waiting.
7.4.1
Location
The location of transport buildings such as bus, coach and railway stations
should be carefully considered in relation to the communities they serve and the
proximity of public buildings and services, shops, and other local facilities.
In all terminals and transport buildings, facilities should be provided for a taxi
service, and to enable private cars to drop off and collect passengers close to the
building entrance.
At railway stations, motorway service areas, harbours, and airports, car parking
facilities should be provided, including proximate and prioritised parking for
12
car users with disabilities; parents with small children; older people; and those
who have difficulty walking short/medium distances, as Booklet 1: External
environment and approach.
Checklist – Location
7.4.2
Size and layout
The size of transport buildings – such as bus and coach stations – will be dictated
largely by the number of services, frequency of use, and expected passenger
numbers.
The layout should enable passengers to quickly identify the service they require,
for example: a platform, bus or coach boarding point or departure area. It is
preferred that passenger facilities are centrally located so that they are easy to
identify.
13
Image 7.2 Young mother with baby and stroller beside a railway track.
Image 7.3 Example of an airport terminal with signage for departure gates.
14
A simple layout that is easy to understand by a wide range of users is particularly
beneficial in large terminals, such as airport and harbour terminals, and principal
bus and railway stations. Users may include older people; people with disabilities;
foreign visitors; people with visual difficulties; or those who might become
confused easily.
Entrances to large buildings, such as railway stations, should have doors that are
permanently open so that access is unimpeded for all. If it is not possible to have
a door-free entrance for security or environmental reasons, entrance doors should
be fully automatic. For further guidance, refer to Booklet 2: Entrances and
horizontal circulation, Section 2.4.
• Make sure services and facilities are logically arranged and readily
identifiable.
15
7.4.3 Passenger facilities
All transport buildings should provide adequate seating areas, because waiting
is inevitable, whether for a short or long period. Seating should be provided in
all main waiting locations and in close proximity to refreshment facilities, toilets
and travel information. For further guidance, refer to Booklet 6: Facilities in
buildings, Section 6.5.
In buildings where left luggage facilities are provided, they should be accessible
to people of different standing heights, as well as those seated in wheelchairs.
All toilet facilities should be equipped with a public address system so that people
are alerted to important information. For further guidance, refer to Booklet 5:
Sanitary facilities.
16
should be positioned in an accessible location and be emptied regularly. The area
should be designated for use by assistance dogs only and a sign highlighting this
should be clearly displayed.
Guidelines for designated dog relief areas (Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind):
• Designated relief areas for guide dogs and assistance dogs should be
situated away from areas with excessive noise and activity. The relief
area should be within easy reach of your premises, with level access and
suitable signage.
• Relief areas should be enclosed for safety purposes by a 1220 to
1830mm-high barrier. The area should be a 2000mm x 3000mm
(minimum) to 3000mm x 5000mm. The entrance or exit to the relief
area should be secured with a latch.
• There are various surfaces that are considered suitable for a relief area.
These surfaces include grass, concrete, bark dust, absorbent sand and
astro-turf. It can be beneficial to have a drainage facility, for example
gutter, in the relief area also. The flooring should be laid at a slant of
around 3.4% to assist drainage.
• Biodegradable disposal bags and a disposal bin should be provided.
Water bowls with fresh water should also be available.
• The relief area should also have adequate and evenly distributed
lighting.
• The relief area and equipment should be cleaned regularly and well-
maintained.
17
P Checklist – Passenger facilities
• L ocate accessible toilet facilities in the main concourse level and close to
the point of departure and arrival.
7.4.4
Travel information
Everyone who uses public transport needs information to enable them to plan
their journey. Timetables, journey times, pricing information, the availability of
particular facilities and last-minute updates should all be available in a range of
formats, including visual and audible.
Information on the transport environment can be divided into three levels: Level
1 information, such as urgent safety information or immediate departures. Level
2 information, such as general timetable information, information about how
to make a complaint, and general safety information. Level 3 information, such
as advertising. It is important that these three levels of information are clearly
distinguished.
18
The design of new information sources (such as new timetable leaflet or website)
provides a great opportunity to ensure information is accessible to all at minimal
cost. The design brief should specify requirements around the style, content, and
formatting of information to maximise ease of use.
Timetables and journey times are published in printed format for most forms of
transport. These should include information on intermediate stops, as these are
often crucial when planning a journey. The information in timetables may be
complex, but it should be presented visually in a clear and logical format so that
it is easy for everyone to understand. The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA)
provides guidelines on its website on plain English writing. These guidelines
include using short sentences and everyday language and avoiding the use of
jargon. Timetables should be available inside transport terminals in an accessible
location and should follow the advice given for signage in Booklet 4: Internal
environment and services, Section 4.11 and printed information in Booklet 8:
Building management, Section 8.6.2.
Talking timetables cannot be used by many people with hearing difficulties, and
should therefore be provided as a supplement to an operator service, rather than
be the sole source for obtaining information.
19
It is better to design and build a website to be accessible from the outset. This
can save time and the costs involved the rework and maintenance. Operators
should consider the use of journey planners on websites and maps. These offer
the potential for detailed and precise journey details to be worked out before or
during the trip. Information that is presented visually (such as on a map) should
also be available in text format for people with visual difficulties.
Many people, either through necessity or choice, require information about the
availability of particular facilities on a journey. People travelling with infants
may want to check in advance about the availability and whereabouts of baby-
changing and bottle-warming facilities. People who use wheelchairs may want
to check that a destination station has step-free access and that a train has a
wheelchair-accessible toilet facility. On a long journey, most travellers will want
to know in advance if there are on-board refreshment facilities or if they should
purchase food and drink at the terminal. Information should be readily available
to enable people to adequately prepare for their journey and to travel in comfort
to their expected destination.
For those arriving at the transport facility, travel information for connecting
services – including flights, rail, bus and taxis – should be clearly sign posted.
Connecting travel information should also be made available at designated points
and in written form. Information on signage is provided in Booklet 4: Internal
environment and services, Section 4.11 and Booklet 8: Building management,
Section 8.6.
Last-minute updates should be available, both prior to leaving home and at the
terminal itself. Delays in travel schedules are annoying for everyone but can cause
particular difficulties for people with disabilities, parents with young children, and
people with certain medical conditions. Inside transport terminals, information
relating to delays and cancellations or to alternative journey arrangements should
20
be delivered aurally to all parts of the building, in addition to the visual displays
in the main areas. Further information on acoustics may be found in Booklet 4:
Internal environment and services, Sections 4.9 and 4.11.
When transport services are scheduled, consideration should be given to the time
allowed between connecting services so that everybody has time to transfer from
one location to another. Where there are long travel distances between platforms,
terminals or boarding areas, buggy-type transport, travelators, and low floor buses
should be provided to assist people with mobility difficulties as appropriate.
Image 7.4 Shows a wheelchair user accessing light rail. Note the level interface
between platform and tram car allowing level access for all users.
21
P Checklist – Travel information
22
7.5 Office Buildings
This section covers all types of office and administrative buildings, including
public service buildings and voluntary sector, and private and commercial offices.
It covers offices that may range in size from a small, single-roomed tenancy in a
multi-occupancy building to a large, open-plan commercial development.
All offices whether serving a public function or for private use only, should be
universally designed so that people, regardless of age, size or disability could visit
or work there.
7.5.1
Entrances and circulation
All entrances to an office – whether they are the principal entrance or a staff
entrance – should be accessible and easily identifiable.
All circulation routes within an office building should be well maintained and free
of obstacles. In open-plan offices, circulation routes should be clearly defined,
for example, through the use of floor surfaces of contrasting colours; a change
in texture of floor coverings; or the careful placement of furniture. Potential
obstructions or hazards should be adequately guarded and visually highlighted.
The width of circulation routes should follow the guidance for corridors, as set out
in Booklet 2: Entrances and horizontal circulation, Section 2.5.1.
23
7.5.2
Internal environment
Offices should achieve an appropriate level of environmental performance in order
to provide a healthy and comfortable environment for employees and visitors
alike. This will involve the provision of good air quality, adequate ventilation, and
an effective heating system.
Individual areas within an office that require or would benefit from a quiet
environment, such as a meeting room or interview area, should be located away
from external sources of noise. The internal layout of an office can also be used
to advantage to separate quiet work areas from potentially noisy facilities, such
as refreshment areas. The size and shape of individual rooms and the acoustic
performance of the building fabric and its furnishings can all influence the
acoustic environment and should be tailored to suit the requirements of the
particular workplace or room.
24
Checklist – Internal environment
• Locate quiet rooms away from internal and external sources of noise.
7.5.3
Workstations and storage
Working areas and workstations should be adaptable so that they meet the needs
and preferences of as many employees as possible. This may involve the flexible
arrangement of furniture, the provision of height-adjustable desks, and the
provision of items of assistive equipment. L-shaped desks are generally preferred
as they enable people to reach both sides of the desk more easily. Chairs should be
adjustable in height and have removable armrests, as well as a neck- or headrest.
Many people are more comfortable in familiar environments where they know the
layout and the whereabouts of particular personnel. A dedicated hotdesking area
may be an appropriate facility within a large office where required for transient
personnel such as those visiting from other offices, although the capacity to
modify a workstation may still be required.
Access to storage facilities should be direct and unobstructed and the location
should be readily apparent or clearly indicated.
25
Storage facilities should be solid, stable, and without sharp edges. They should
contrast visually with adjacent surfaces and be adequately illuminated. Handles
and any other items of projecting ironmongery should contrast visually with the
mounting surface so they are readily identifiable. Where shelving is an integral
part of storage facilities, it should be positioned at different heights to suit
people with different reach ranges, including people in a seated position. Drawers
should be easy running so that they are accessible to everyone. For further
guidance on storage facilities, refer to Booklet 6: Facilities in buildings, Section
6.6.
Where storage facilities comprise filing cabinets or shelves arranged in rows, the
distance between the units themselves and between the units and any adjacent
wall or obstruction should be at least 1400mm. If a knee recess is provided in
order to access shelving units, the distance may be reduced to 1200mm.
• Ensure storage facilities are accessible to all staff and well designed.
26
7.6 Retail Outlets and Shopping Centres
This section covers the full range of retail outlets from small shops to large
department stores, supermarkets, shopping centres, and retail parks.
All retail premises and associated external areas should be universally designed to
facilitate equitable access for customers and to enable full access to employment.
7.6.1
Internal circulation
In all shops, an efficient layout that maximises the sales area but also provides
adequate access routes for internal circulation is paramount.
For people to feel welcome and valued as customers, shops should be comfortable
and facilitate independent access to all areas including goods displays, fitting
rooms, cashiers, customer service points and toilets.
If shops are too cramped or aisles too narrow, access for some people may be
denied altogether and for many others the shopping experience will be a negative
one.
The principal access routes should have a minimum clear width of 2000mm to
enable people to move in both directions and pass each other with ease. If
large numbers of people are expected at any one time, and in locations such as
immediately adjacent to a series of entrance doors, this dimension should be
increased.
27
Secondary access routes, such as those within sales areas, should be at least
1500mm wide, and should incorporate passing places. This will allow people to
pass each other comfortably and safely, and enable people using wheelchairs or
scooters to turn.
All access routes should be well maintained, free of obstacles, and have adequate
headroom. Circulation routes should be clearly defined, for example, through the
use of floor surfaces of contrasting colours; a change in texture of floor coverings;
or the careful placement of displays. Potential obstructions or hazards should be
adequately guarded and visually highlighted.
7.6.2
Display and storage in shops
Shop display units, such as shelving, rails and cabinets, should be solid, stable
and without sharp edges. All units should contrast visually with adjacent surfaces
for ease of identification and be adequately illuminated. Handles and any other
items of projecting ironmongery should visually contrast with the mounting
surface so they are readily identifiable.
28
will ensure maximum accessibility. In this arrangement, a proportion of every item
for sale should be placed on a number of shelves at different heights. Guidance on
the height of shelving is given in Booklet 6: Facilities in buildings, Table 1.
29
Image 7.6 Example of front-opening freezers in a supermarket.
Pyramids of goods at the ends of supermarket aisles, stacked on top of each other
rather than on shelves, are often unstable and should also be avoided.
Clothes rails should be positioned no higher than 1370mm above the floor and
should provide a level approach to facilitate access by people who are short in
stature, or using a wheelchair or scooter.
30
Checklist – Display and storage in shops
• Use a vertical stacking arrangement to ensure all goods are within easy reach.
7.6.3
Counters and checkouts
Where counters are provided to view, exchange, or pay for goods, they should be
universally designed. Counters should be designed to facilitate people who are
standing; people who are short in stature; people using wheelchairs; and people
who need to sit in a chair whilst being served. Counters should also facilitate staff
who use wheelchairs or who need to be seated.
31
Depending on the size of the shop and arrangement of service positions, dual-
height counters may be appropriate, or, alternatively, a series of separate counters
at two different heights. Lower-height counters for seated use should have a
surface a maximum height of 760mm above floor level and a clearance to the
underside of 700mm. The counter should have a width of 1800mm (minimum
1500mm) to enable two people to sit alongside each other, or for two people
to be positioned diagonally opposite each other. The surface should incorporate
a knee recess 650mm deep. Where people may be seated on both the staff and
customer side, the knee recesses should be positioned diagonally so that the
counter is not excessively deep. The upper counter surface should be between
950mm and 1100mm above floor level. A clear area of 2400mm x 2400mm should
be provided on both sides of the counter to enable people to approach and
manoeuvre with ease.
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Refer also to Booklet 6: Facilities in buildings, Section 6.4.
In supermarkets and other large shops where multiple checkouts are provided,
they should be arranged to be accessible to all shoppers, including people with
pushchairs and prams, and people using wheelchairs and scooters.
If checkouts are arranged back to back, all aisles should be equally accessible. This
arrangement also offers customers a choice of transferring goods to the left or right
and operating payment terminals on a particular side, which is beneficial to some
people.
• Ensure the leading edge of payment counters visually contrasts with the
counter surface and slopes upwards.
• Ensure checkout aisles are wide enough for all customers and facilitate both
left- and right-hand transfer of goods.
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7.6.4
Fitting rooms
Wherever fitting rooms are provided for customers to try on clothes, they should
be universally designed. At least one self-contained unisex accessible fitting room
should have minimum dimensions 2300mm x 2500mm and a layout as illustrated
in Figure 7.1.
Where more than one accessible fitting room is provided, the layout should be
reversed to provide a choice of left- or right-hand transfer.
34
Figure 7.1 Self-contained fitting room (wall elevation and plan).
35
The fitting room should provide sufficient space for people with buggies and
people with wheelchairs to manoeuvre and transfer to and from the fold-down
seat.
The fold-down seat should be padded; have an integral or separate backrest; and
be securely fixed to the wall. Seats with hinged front legs should be avoided as
the legs may prevent wheelchair users; parents with strollers; guide dog users; and
those using walking or mobility aids from manoeuvring easily within the room.
Seats should be checked and tested regularly to ensure the fixings are secure and
that the seat is weight-bearing.
Fixed and drop-down horizontal and vertical grabrails should be provided in the
locations shown in Figure 7.1 to offer support. Drop-down grabrails should be
designed to be held in the upright position when not in use, but be easy to
release when required. Drop-down grabrails without vertical support struts are
preferred so that the struts do not impede movement around the fitting room. If
struts are required to provide the necessary strength, they should be set back at
least half the length of the grabrail when in the horizontal position.
Adequate space should be provided on both sides of the fitting room door
in accordance with the guidance in Booklet 2: Entrances and horizontal
circulation, Section 2.6.4.
Clothes hooks or rails should be positioned between 1050mm and 1700mm above
floor level. Clothes hooks should be positioned at two heights to help those of
small stature or using a wheelchair to use the hook. Consideration of a bell/buzzer
for assistance located in the fitting rooms should be made.
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Checklist – Fitting rooms
7.6.5
Equipment and assistance in shops
The provision of suitable equipment in retail outlets, in particular supermarkets
and other large shops, benefits all customers and facilitates independent access.
Shopping trolleys are essential in supermarkets and some other large shops.
Trolleys should be available in a range of sizes and styles, including standard
trolleys; trolleys to carry smaller baskets; trolleys suitable for wheelchair users,
older people, people of smaller stature, and those using walking or mobility aids;
and trolleys with one or two seats for infants and small children.
The appropriate number of each type should be readily available when required
and they should be kept clean and dry. Trolleys, especially their wheels, should be
maintained properly. One stiff wheel that causes the trolley to pull to one side can
be difficult for everyone to use, but particularly difficult for someone who uses a
walking aid; someone who has reduced strength in their hands; or for a person of
small stature.
37
Image 7.9 Example of an electric scooter with front-mounted basket.
Weighing facilities should have scales that are easy to read, with easy access to
the controls for printing out labels. Keypads should be in alphabetical order, and
should incorporate pictures of the products as well as text. Tactile information
on the keypads will benefit customers with visual difficulties, as will audible
instructions.
Personal assistance should be readily available to any customer who needs it,
whether to locate a particular item, weigh out produce, or to carry goods. In
existing smaller premises, personal assistance may be appropriate in overcoming
the occasional shortcoming in physical aspects of the building, such as high
shelves or narrow aisles where these are unavoidable.
38
minimise the need for people to require personal assistance. For information on
signage see Booklet 4: Internal environment and services, Section 4.11.
• Provide regular breaks when playing music over public address systems and
ensure the sound level is not too high.
39
7.7.1
Layout and seating
Service areas including food and service counters, bar areas, seating, and toilets
should be universally designed. The layout of all premises should be clear and
logical with unobstructed access routes to facilitate easy and independent access
throughout.
In new buildings, it is preferred that all areas within a storey are at the same level.
However, if a raised or sunken seating area is provided, the change in level should
be served by a ramp and steps and be accessible to everyone.
Wherever there are different categories of seating, such as self-service and table-
service, lounge-style seating and tables and chairs, internal and external, they
should all be accessible to every customer.
In existing buildings, where changes in level are unavoidable and the provision
of both ramps and steps is impractical, a minimum of two-thirds of the total floor
area should be accessible.
Tables and chairs should be arranged with clearly identifiable and adequate aisles
to provide everybody with a choice of seating positions. Tables should not be
positioned randomly or too closely as this is likely to obstruct or restrict access for
many people.
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Where fixed tables are used, chairs should be easily removable to enable access by
people using wheelchairs.
The use of fixed chairs in association with fixed tables should be avoided as they
can be very difficult for people with ambulatory difficulties and wheelchair users to
access, and they offer minimal flexibility.
Tables and chairs should be selected to provide effective visual contrast with
surrounding surfaces so that they are clearly identifiable. A proportion of chairs
should have armrests. For further guidance on seating, refer to Booklet 6:
Facilities in buildings, Section 6.5.
High chairs should be available in premises where small children are admitted.
• Ensure access routes and aisles between seats are unobstructed and
clearly identifiable.
• Ensure raised or sunken seating areas are served by a ramp and steps.
41
7.7.2
Self-service facilities
In self-service cafés and restaurants, food display cabinets and shelves, tray
slides, and cashier areas should all be universally designed. The layout should be
clear and logical to facilitate easy access and efficient service.
Tray storage should be clearly apparent and positioned adjacent to the beginning
of a tray slide. The recommended height for tray storage is between 700mm and
1200mm above floor level. Trays should be designed to be easily gripped, with a
raised edge to prevent items sliding or rolling off and with a slip-resistant finish.
The tray slide in self-service facilities should be continuous from the first food or
drink display unit through to the cashier position, or cutlery and condiment area,
whichever is positioned last in the sequence. If there is any break in the tray slide,
such as when cashiers are positioned on a central island, assistance in carrying
trays should be readily available. Any changes in direction of the tray slide should
enable the tray to be slid safely around a corner without it having to be lifted or
otherwise supported. The tray slide should be positioned 850mm above floor level. It
is preferable if the main dispensing counter is at a similar level to the tray slide to
enable items to be moved easily onto the tray, as Figure 7.2.
Food and drink display units are likely to require more than one shelf in order to
maximise capacity. However, shelves that are too high may be beyond the reach of
some people or may place items out of sight. Wherever possible, shelves should be
no higher than 1370mm. If shelves are required above this height, they should be
stocked with duplicate items so that the full range of food and drink is available
at an accessible level.
42
For guidance on vending machines, refer to Booklet 6: Facilities in buildings,
Section 6.8.1.
• Ensure tray storage is clearly visible and trays are easy to grip and hold.
43
7.7.3
Customer service and management
Customer service is paramount in establishments such as cafés, bars, and
restaurants. A welcoming universal approach to all customers is key to a
successful business.
In venues where tables and chairs can be moved, management procedures should
ensure that circulation areas are maintained and that convenient access is
available to all tables to facilitate freedom of choice to customers.
Toilets should be kept clean at all times and be regularly monitored, particularly
at busy times. In some buildings, where there is particularly heavy use of toilet
facilities, management procedures should ensure that toilet paper dispensers, soap
and hand towels are restocked before they run out.
Staff in restaurants and cafés should receive training in how to deliver a universal
service to all customers.
Assistance dogs are exempt from standard health and hygiene regulations and
are therefore allowed into areas where food and drink are consumed, including
carvery restaurants, even if food is stored and prepared there. Staff should ensure
sufficient space is made available for assistance dogs to rest adjacent to their
owners and away from circulation routes.
44
Checklist – Customer service and management
• Keep toilets clean and check supplies of toilet paper, soap, and towels
regularly.
• Provide sufficient space for assistance dogs to rest adjacent to their owners.
7.7.4
Outdoor smoking areas
Since the implementation of the smoking ban in March 2004, smoking has been
forbidden in enclosed workplaces, including bars, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs,
and lounges. However, the provision of outdoor smoking areas is permitted,
subject to certain requirements of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002. It is not
obligatory to provide outdoor smoking areas, but employers may provide them at
their own discretion.
Where such facilities are provided, they should be universally designed. They
should be located where they can be easily accessed from the main seating or
bar area and clearly identified with appropriate signage. Doors should be easy
45
to open and follow the guidance for external doors in Booklet 2: Entrances and
horizontal circulation, Section 2.6.1.
Seating should be provided in these areas for people with mobility difficulties and
care should be taken in the design to remove any obstacles for those with visual
difficulties.
• Ensure outdoor smoking areas are easily accessed from the main bar,
lounge, or seating area and clearly signed.
46
7.8 Museums, Galleries and Libraries
This section covers cultural buildings including museums, art galleries, exhibition
centres, visitor information centres, and public and research libraries. It may also
be relevant to buildings occupied by professional institutions in which exhibits
and events are held and attended by institute members and the general public,
and which offer research and library facilities. All such establishments should be
accessible and useable.
Many museums and art galleries are located in historic buildings and the buildings
themselves are an inherent part of the cultural and educational experience. Where
this is the case, the guidance in Section 7.13 is also relevant.
The layout of all cultural and educational buildings should be logical and easy to
understand. For many visitors, the building will be unfamiliar and may only be
visited once. A well-designed layout will ensure that everyone is able to identify
and locate areas of interest and maximise the benefit and enjoyment of their visit.
Where documents and artefacts are held in archives, such as in local history
and some research or scientific libraries, the archive storage facility should
be accessible to staff and visitors. Facilities such as common rooms, lounges,
and refreshment areas in buildings, such as professional institutions and other
establishments, should be accessible.
Assistance dogs should be admitted to all parts of museum, gallery, and library
buildings, including café and restaurant facilities.
Interactive displays are effective at engaging children and other people in many
museums and visitor centres. Wherever these are used, buttons, switches and
handles should be easy to use by all ages and abilities and positioned within
reach of as wide a range of people as possible.
47
Image 7.11 Example of signage for assistance dogs.
Many museums and art galleries, particularly those located in historic buildings,
involve travelling long distances between exhibits. Where this is the case,
information should be provided near the entrance about the size and layout
so that visitors can plan their visit and allow for time to rest as required. The
provision of wheelchairs on loan will help some visitors to access the venue
in comfort. Seating should be provided at regular intervals along corridors and
in galleries, including some seats with armrests, as Booklet 6: Facilities in
buildings, Section 6.5.
The provision of signage and information, including tactile maps and models, is
covered in Booklet 4: Internal environment and services, Section 4.11.
48
Checklist – Museums, galleries and libraries
• Ensure that assistance dogs are permitted in all areas of the building.
7.8.1
Information and interpretation
Information about a venue should be available in advance of a visit to enable
people to plan their journey and make any necessary preparations.
Information relating to the accessibility of the venue and any services or facilities
available should be clearly indicated.
A map of the building and site, clearly indicating the location of key facilities
– such as toilets, refreshment areas, information desks, and exhibit, gallery or
library areas – should be provided. Maps should incorporate symbols wherever
possible, with any lettering in clear type. For further guidance on signage and
49
information, refer to Booklet 4: Internal environment and services, Section
4.11.
Audio guides in foreign languages are invaluable to many visitors. The handset
and headgear comprising an audio guide should be easy to operate and provide
the user with a degree of control over the information they are accessing,
taking into consideration people with dexterity and reach limitations. It may be
appropriate to layer information contained in the audio guide to enable the user
to select their preferred level of description detail or orientation information.
In some cases, such as in historic buildings, where areas of the building remain
physically inaccessible to some visitors, videos, DVDs or photographs coupled
with audio description could be used to illustrate and describe the area, feature
or view. For example, where a church tower is open for public access on selected
days in the year to enable people to enjoy the view and explore the tower roof,
but where access is via a narrow spiral stair, a photographic display or audiovisual
50
presentation should be provided at ground level to provide an alternative
experience of the view and tower roof.
• Provide audio guides to accompany visual displays that are designed to suit
a range of users, taking into consideration people with dexterity and reach
limitations.
7.8.2
Displays and exhibits
Displays and exhibits in museums and galleries should be universally designed.
Where articles are enclosed in display cases, the glass should be non-reflecting.
51
The use of lighting strips at floor level can be used to highlight the route in an
area that has low levels of lighting. Labels accompanying exhibits should be well
lit, but positioned carefully so that they not present a source of glare within an
area of lower illumination.
Where displays require close viewing or involve interactive controls, they should
be designed to provide a knee recess so that people using wheelchairs can
approach from the front and sit facing the exhibit.
Labels for items in display cases should be mounted at an angle of 45 degrees for
ease of viewing and positioned towards the front of the display.
Where possible, labels using raised lettering that can be read by touch should also
be provided. The provision of plastic magnifying glasses, available on loan, will
assist many visitors to examine exhibits and labels.
Many people, particularly those who have visual or cognitive difficulties, will
benefit from being able to touch objects and exhibits as a way of appreciating
their size, nature and form, and as a means of exploring for themselves the item
on display. In some venues, it may be acceptable for objects to be touched or
handled by any visitor at any time. However, in many cases, particularly where
historic artefacts are on display, handling of objects will have to be controlled or
supervised to some extent. Where this is the case, opportunities to touch objects
could be facilitated via a guided touch tour or handling session. These could
include actual objects from the collection as well as replicas and supplementary
items that help to explain or demonstrate a particular feature. The use of sound to
52
accompany touching tours can help establish the context for the collection, such
as period or cultural music or sounds from the natural environment.
For further guidance on tactile maps and models, refer to Booklet 4: Internal
environment and services, Section 4.11.5.
53
Checklist – Displays and exhibits
P • Install non-reflecting glass in display cabinets.
• Use transitional lighting for circulation routes leading into and out of areas
of low illumination.
• Consider the use of lighting strips at floor level.
• Ensure text on labels is minimum 18 point sans serif font and text on
printed information is 14 point.
• Use tactile lettering wherever possible.
The extent of the study area will be determined by the nature of the
establishment, the number of people expected at any one time and the type of
document or artefact being viewed. The study area should be universally designed
for staff and visitors.
54
Desks should be positioned with adequate space on each side to enable people to
circulate comfortably and sit without obstructing others, as Figure 7.3.
Desks with a fixed work surface should have a height between 725mm and 750mm
and a clearance of 700mm to the underside. In some cases, the provision of
electrically-operated, adjustable-height desks or work surfaces is likely to be
beneficial and will facilitate access to the broadest range of people. Each desk
should have easy access to a power socket and be adequately illuminated with
background and adjustable task lighting. Refer also to the guidance in Section
7.5.2 above for lighting in office environments.
55
Figure 7.3 Example of a study area.
Where computers are provided, they should be positioned where there is adequate
space for people sit comfortably at the desk and lay out papers or books to either
side. There should also be sufficient space for people to rest their hands and arms
56
in front of a keyboard when not typing, and to use a mouse effectively with a
straight wrist.
A keyboard with integral Braille display unit will be beneficial to some people, as
will equipment such as a scanner-reader that converts text in a document or book to
speech.
Computer screens should be adjustable so that each person can position the screen
to suit their individual need. Screens should not be permanently fixed to a wall or
stand as this will render them unusable by some people, particularly those who need
to view the screen at very close range.
57
Image 7.13 Alternative example of library shelf layout.
Library shelves should be arranged logically in parallel rows. The distance between
the units themselves and between the units and any adjacent wall or obstruction
should be at least 1400mm. Designers should be aware of providing a range of
shelving heights. If a knee recess is provided in order to access shelving units,
the distance may be reduced to 1200mm. For further guidance on shelving and
storage facilities, refer to Booklet 6: Facilities in buildings, Section 6.6.
58
Checklist – Study areas
• Provide an accessible study area in venues where documents and archives may
P
be viewed.
• Ensure desks are arranged to provide convenient access, with dimensions in
accordance with Figure 7.3.
• Consider the provision of electrically-operated, adjustable-height desks.
• Ensure computer desks are large enough to use comfortably and provide
adequate space either side for laying out papers.
• Ensure computer screens are adjustable and not permanently fixed to
a wall or stand.
• Consider the provision of assistive technology.
All such facilities should be equipped with an induction loop to enhance sound
quality and audibility for hearing aid users. For information on induction loop
systems please see Booklet 4: Internal environment and services, Section
4.10.1.
59
Box office and ticket counters should be universally designed in accordance with
the guidance in Booklet 6: Facilities in buildings, Section 6.4.
7.9.1
Audience seating
Audience seating may be arranged on raked or level floors. Whichever arrangement
is adopted, sight lines from all seating positions should provide a good view of
any speaker, screen, or presentation.
Uninterrupted sight lines are particularly important for people who lip-read and
use sign language, and for people viewing speech-to-text screens.
60
Figure 7.4 Permanent spaces for wheelchair and scooter users in auditoria.
Space for assistance dogs to rest alongside their companion should be provided
adjacent to some seats, away from access aisles and emergency escape routes.
61
Where raked floors are used, seating positions for people using wheelchairs should
incorporate a guard rail to guard any change of level. The seating position should
have a flat floor, even if the rest of the auditorium has an inclined floor, as it can
be uncomfortable for people to sit for long periods on a sloping surface.
In large auditoria where there are several seating spaces for people using
wheelchairs in different locations and potentially at different floor levels, each
seating space should have access to unisex accessible toilet facilities. Members of
the audience should not have to travel long distances or between floors in order to
access suitable toilet facilities. The number of toilet facilities, including accessible
toilets, should reflect the likelihood that a large number of people will use the
facilities during a relatively short time period, such as an interval. The location of
all toilets should be clearly signed.
62
Checklist – Audience seating
• Ensure all spaces have access to unisex accessible toilet facilities at the same
floor level.
• Ensure all seats provide effective visual contrast with surrounding surfaces.
7.9.2
Performers’ facilities
Backstage areas, such as dressing rooms, offices, storage areas, and sanitary
facilities in theatres and other performance-related buildings, should be
universally designed.
63
Within the building, routes between the main entrance, auditorium and backstage
areas should be accessible. All facilities should be readily identifiable and clearly
signed to assist people who are not familiar with the building Refer to Booklet 4:
Internal environment and services, Section 4.11.
Dressing rooms and sanitary facilities for performers should be designed to meet
the needs of performers of all sizes, ranges of movement, and abilities. Where
appropriate, they should include shower and changing facilities. For further
guidance on sanitary facilities, refer to Booklet 5: Sanitary facilities.
• Ensure routes between front of house and backstage areas are accessible and
clearly signed.
• Provide dressing rooms and sanitary facilities that are accessible to all.
7.9.3
Speakers’ facilities
Equipment such as lecterns for speakers or lecturers should be adjustable in height
to meet individual need. The lower front edge should range in height between
800mm and 1100mm and the lectern surface should be inclined to an angle of 30
degrees from horizontal. Where lecterns incorporate a table for mounting a laptop
or overhead projector, the surface should be no higher than 800mm. Lecterns
should incorporate a light to illuminate any reading material.
Where a desk (or desks) are used for a panel of speakers, they should have a
maximum surface height of 760mm and a clearance of 700mm to the underside.
There should be sufficient clearance between the desks and any rear wall or
podium edge to facilitate safe and convenient access for all.
64
a ramp or steps, it is preferred that they are designed in accordance with the
guidance in Booklet 3: Vertical circulation, Sections 3.5 and 3.6.
• Ensure tables for laptops and overhead projectors are no higher than 800mm.
• Provide desks for speakers with a surface height of 760mm and 700mm
clearance to the underside with sufficient clear space for convenient access.
• Ensure speaker platforms and podiums are accessed by a ramp and steps.
• Make sure vertical rise platform lifts used to access podiums are screened.
7.10
Religious Buildings
This section covers religious buildings of all faiths, including places of worship,
meeting rooms, and facilities for burial and cremation. Whilst respecting some
cultural restrictions, all such buildings should be universally designed to suit all
people.
Access to and within all religious buildings should facilitate full participation by
everyone attending for worship or prayer; all religious officials, leaders, employees
and volunteers; as well as anyone visiting the premises for secular activities or
architectural interest.
Many historic churches and cathedrals incorporate potential physical barriers, such
as internal changes in level and raised altars, which can be difficult to modify
due to the status of the building. These were originally designed to facilitate
65
traditional forms of worship with established rites. However, in many cases,
adopting a flexible approach to the way in which services are arranged will result
in greater inclusion for the whole congregation. A raised altar allows those of
smaller stature to see what is happening.
The use of removable seating, which can be set out in different arrangements or
positions, provides further flexibility in the way services are delivered. For services
at which only a small congregation is expected, such as a christening where only
family and close friends are attending, a more intimate arrangement of seats may
be appropriate. For services with a large congregation, seating can be arranged
to maximise overall capacity whilst retaining adequate access to all areas and
facilities.
Consideration should also be given to seats with armrests, to aid elderly people
and those with mobility difficulties with sitting and standing up.
66
7.10.1 Facilities for seating and prayer
Where seating is provided – such as for a congregation in a church, members in a
meeting house or friends and family in a cemetery chapel – it should comprise a
number of removable seats, or be entirely flexible in arrangement.
Where extra spaces are provided for people within a fixed-seated layout
(whether that be for parents with buggies; people using walking or mobility
aids; wheelchair users; or extra manoeuvring space for those who are frail) these
spaces should be provided in a range of positions to provide a degree of choice
and to enable people to observe traditions or conventions that may dictate the
use of a particular location of the building. This may occur, for example, at a
wedding in which the bride’s family and friends are traditionally seated on one
side of a central aisle, and the groom’s family and friends on the other. It is also
conventional practice at funeral and memorial services for a deceased person’s
immediate family to be seated at the front of the congregation and other people
behind.
The availability of wheelchair spaces and for those using strollers and walking aids
throughout the seating area, or the flexibility to modify the seating arrangement
for each occasion, will facilitate inclusion in a natural and discreet way.
Seating spaces for all users should be easy to access with sufficient space for
manoeuvre. Furniture and the floor colour on routes should contrast to make it
easy for people with visual difficulties to find their way to convenient seating.
The size and arrangements of spaces to accommodate wheelchair users; parents
with strollers; people using walking or mobility aids; and guide dog users, should
follow the guidelines in Section 7.9.1. Further guidance on general seating is
covered in Booklet 6: Facilities in buildings, Section 6.5.
In buildings, such as mosques and temples, where the custom is for people to
stand, sit or kneel on the floor for worship and prayer, consideration should
be given to people for whom this is not practical. Seats should be provided in
appropriate locations to enable people with restricted stamina or mobility to be
fully involved. One possible arrangement for new buildings is to provide ramped
access to a sunken area within a prayer hall. This enables people seated on chairs
or using wheelchairs to be at the same height as other people during prayer.
67
However, the provision of such an area should offer an alternative facility, rather
than serve to segregate people.
• Include spaces for wheelchair users; parents with strollers; people using
walking or mobility aids; and guide dog users in a range of positions.
• Ensure spaces for wheelchair users; parents with strollers; people using
walking or mobility aids; and guide dog users facilitate easy access.
Toilet facilities that are universally designed should be provided in all religious
buildings, meeting houses, crematoria and cemetery chapels. Particular religious
and cultural requirements in relation to the provision of sanitary facilities should
be observed, such as the provision of washing facilities in mosques. Refer to
Booklet 5: Sanitary facilities for further guidance on sanitary facilities.
68
Checklist – Facilities
7.11
Hotel, Guest and Residential Accommodation
This section covers hotels, motels, hostels, guest houses, bed and breakfast
establishments, and self-catering holiday properties, as well as residential
accommodation, such as student halls, hostels, and visitors’ accommodation in
healthcare buildings. All of these building types should be universally designed
and be able to offer choice and flexibility to guests.
Hotels and similar accommodation should provide the following services for those
using the facility who may require help:
On arrival, greet the person in reception and assist them with checking in.
It would be helpful to tell the person exactly where certain things are located,
for example, the breakfast room, the swimming pool and other facilities. An
orientation tour of their room will also be helpful. This will involve telling
the person where objects are located, including light switches, bed, wardrobe,
69
bathroom, shower, toilet, power points, hair dryer, towels, tea/coffee making
facilities, and the telephone. Tell the person that you are describing the room
from left to right. Inform the person of the emergency escape route from their
room
For many of these building types, particularly hotels, motels, hostels, and guest
houses, the availability of multiple bedrooms provides the opportunity to offer
facilities that meet a range of visitor needs and preferences.
• Ensure all facilities within any residential establishment are available and
accessible to all guests.
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7.11.1 Bedrooms
With the exception of hostels offering shared sleeping accommodation, bedrooms
in guest and residential accommodation should include a mix of single, twin,
family, or double room formats. Wherever possible, a choice of rooms should be
available to meet individual preference.
Figure 7.5 illustrates the key dimensions for an accessible bedroom and gives
examples of single and double bed arrangements. Rooms should be arranged to
permit alternative bed positions, enabling both left- and right-hand transfer from
a wheelchair to the bed.
71
locks should be positioned between 800mm and 1000mm above floor level. All
window handles should be operable with a single hand, preferably with a lever
action, and should not require precise hand control. The position of the window
sill and any horizontal framing members should be carefully considered to enable
people who are seated to enjoy an unobstructed view. The zone of a window
between 900mm and 1200mm above floor level should be free of transoms. For
further guidance on windows, refer to Booklet 6: Facilities in buildings, Section
6.10.
72
Figure 7.6 Example of an accessible shower with WC. This layout should be used when
providing accessible hotel rooms.
73
Artificial lighting in bedrooms should be adjustable, easy to control, and should
provide good colour rendering. Reading or task lights should be available at the
bedside and at any desk or dressing table. General lights should have two-way
switching so that people can control the lights from the bed as well as when first
entering the room. Table lamps that are easily knocked over or that have complex
switching arrangements or trailing cables should be avoided. All light fittings
should be fitted with diffusers to eliminate the potential for glare.
The controls for heating, ventilation, lighting, curtains or window blinds, radios,
and televisions, as well as sockets for phone chargers, hair dryers and electronic
equipment, should all be reachable from a seated position. They should be simple
and easy to operate. Remote control units are ideal as they can be used from any
point in the room.
Good indoor air quality in bedroom accommodation is important for everyone, but
essential for some people with respiratory conditions.
74
Figure 7.7 Alternative bedroom layouts. Note wet room bathroom with level entry shower.
75
audible indication that the lock has been released. A flat card can be difficult for
many people to pick up from a flat surface, so something attached to the card
such as a fob or tag to help retrieval is useful.
Key cards used by hotel guests to access their rooms should conform to EN
1332 Identification Card Systems- Machine readable cards standard. For more
information on key cards please see http://www.universaldesign.ie/useandapply/
ict/itaccessibilityguidelines/smartcards/guidelines/smartcardguidelines/cards.
Entry systems that require the simultaneous use of two hands should be avoided.
Wherever wide-angle door viewers are provided, they should be positioned at two
heights, 1050mm and 1500mm above floor level.
Beds should be 450 to 480mm high (measured from the floor to the upper surface
of the mattress) to facilitate easy transfer for people using a wheelchair, and
the bed should have firm edges to the outer rim. A clear space at least 1800mm
x 1800mm should be maintained to the side of the bed for access and transfer
between a wheelchair and the bed.
In rooms equipped for a mobile hoist, beds should have a clearance of 150mm to
the underside and that continues to the full length of the bed on both sides. In
these rooms, a clear space 2100mm x 2250mm should be provided for the hoist.
An 800mm-wide zone should be provided on the opposite side of the bed for an
assistant.
76
Clothes rails in accessible bedrooms should be positioned no higher than 1370mm
above the floor and provide a level approach to facilitate wheelchair access. If a
level approach is not possible, such as where built-in cupboards with a plinth are
installed, the clothes rail should be no higher than 1200mm. A clear space of at
least 1100mm should be maintained in front of a wardrobe for easy access.
An assistance alarm, incorporating pull cord and reset button, should be provided
in each accessible bedroom, positioned where it can be reached from the bed and
from an adjacent floor area. For further guidance on assistance alarms, refer to
Booklet 5: Sanitary facilities, Section 5.10.1.
For guidance on fire detection and alarm systems, refer to Booklet 4: Internal
environment and services, Section 4.12.
77
Checklist – Hotel bedrooms
P • Ensure a choice of room format is available to meet individual need.
• E nsure at least one in twenty rooms in large establishments are accessible
to wheelchair users; those using walking aids; and guide dog users, with the
dimensions and facilities illustrated in Figure 7.6 and with level-entry shower.
• W
here more than one room is provided for wheelchair users, provide a choice of
left- and right-hand transfer.
• E nsure all bedrooms enjoy an equitable level of amenity and convenience in
relation to other facilities.
• I ntegrate accessible bedrooms with other bedroom accommodation where lifts
are available.
• E nsure bedrooms are protected from traffic noise and noise from internal
machinery such as plant rooms and lifts.
• Ensure bedroom windows provide adequate natural light, ventilation and a view.
• P
osition window handles between 800mm and 1000mm above floor level and
ensure they are easy to open.
• Avoid horizontal framing members on windows between 900mm and 1200mm.
• I nstall adjustable artificial lighting that is easy to control and provides good
colour rendering.
• Ensure all lights have diffusers.
• Provide two-way switching to the main lights.
• Avoid the use of trailing cables and lamps that can be easily knocked over.
• E nsure controls for all services and appliances are reachable from a seated
position and easy to operate.
• Consider the use of remote control units wherever possible.
• Ensure good indoor air quality to all bedrooms.
• Ensure bedroom doors are easy to open.
• C onsider the use of electronic card-operated locks and powered door-opening
devices or swing-free door-closing devices.
• S elect beds carefully to facilitate easy transfer by wheelchair users; those with
dexterity and reach limitations; and people of smaller stature.
• Position clothes rails where they can be reached easily.
• Provide television listening aids or portable room loops on request.
• Install assistance alarm in all accessible bedrooms.
78
7.11.2 Bathrooms
In guest and residential accommodation, the design of toilets, shower rooms
and bathrooms should meet the needs of all potential guests and residents. All
facilities should be safe, usable and independently accessible.
Separate accessible toilet, shower, and changing facilities should be provided for
staff, as appropriate.
In holiday apartments and other properties that are let as self-contained units,
bathrooms may not necessarily be en-suite, particularly if there is only one
bathroom shared by two or more bedrooms. Whatever the overall arrangement, the
bathroom should be easily accessed from the entrance, each of the bedrooms, and
the main living areas.
79
P Checklist – Guest and residential bathrooms
7.12
Housing
This section covers the design of new housing, including individual dwellings and
flats. The guidance is also applicable to residential conversions and refurbishments
where every opportunity should be taken to maximise accessibility for occupants
and visitors alike.
This section does not cover the design of residential accommodation, such as
nursing homes, or the design and adaptation of dwellings to accommodate people
with particular disabilities.
The aim for all new housing and, wherever possible, housing conversions and
refurbishments should be to construct homes that are universally designed and
easily adapted to meet the changing needs of occupants over time. This will
provide everyone with greater choice in terms of where they live, and will enable
people to remain in their own homes as their needs change.
80
By incorporating features into dwellings that enable convenient and cost-effective
adaptation in the future, and with careful consideration as to the layout and
provision of adequate space for people to manoeuvre, dwellings will be convenient
for as broad a range of households and visitors as possible.
The technical guidance in this section builds upon the 16-point Lifetime Homes
standards promoted by the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, but also covers flats,
town houses, and dwellings where there is no living space at the entrance level,
and extends the technical criteria to include communal car parking facilities.
Checklist – Housing
• Consider that housing design should meet the changing needs of occupants
and visitors.
Communal car parking facilities, such as those provided in association with flats
or a group of dwellings, should incorporate at least one designated accessible
parking bay for each lift core associated with the parking area. If more than one
car parking area is provided in conjunction with flats or a group of dwellings,
at least one designated accessible parking bay should be provided in each area.
Where underground parking is provided at the base of a block of flats, at least one
designated accessible parking bay should be provided adjacent to each lift core.
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P Checklist – Car parking
• Ensure car parking space for an individual house is 3600mm wide x 7000mm
long.
• Incorporate at least one designated accessible car parking bay for each lift
core in communal car parks to blocks of flats.
• Provide at least one designated accessible car parking bay in each car
parking area where more than one car parking area is provided.
• Provide at least one designated accessible car parking bay adjacent to each
lift core in an underground car park.
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7.12.3 External approach
The approach to all entrances, including entrance doors to individual houses,
communal entrances to flats or to a group of dwellings, should ideally be level.
Routes between facilities on a site, such as communal car parking and the
entrance to a block of flats, should also ideally be level. In new buildings, the
finished level of the internal floor at entrance level should be accurately specified
so that this can be achieved. Where it is not possible to provide a level approach,
for example on conversion projects where the existing site has a significant
incline, the approach should be gently sloping or ramped.
Where steps are provided as part of an approach route to an individual house, they
should follow the guidance in Booklet 1: External environment and approach,
Section 1.5.2, with one exception. The use of tactile hazard warning surfacing
is not required where the steps are within the curtilage of an individual private
house. The use of tactile hazard warning surfacing is recommended for external
steps providing access to a communal entrance to flats or a group of houses.
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Approach routes to individual houses from the site boundary should be at least
900mm wide if they are separate from the drive. However, the approach to a house
could be linked to the drive as long as the overall width of the car parking area is
at least 3600mm, as Section 7.12.1 above.
• Where level access is not possible, ensure access routes are gently sloping or
ramped and incorporate landings at regular intervals.
• Ensure external access routes, ramps, and steps are designed in accordance
with the guidance in Booklet 1: External environment and approach.
• Install gates that provide the clear opening width set out in the table
above.
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7.12.4 Entrances
Entrances to houses, flats and groups of dwellings should be readily identifiable
and easy to access. To aid identification during the hours of darkness, all
entrances should have an external light either above or to the side of the door.
Good lighting will help occupants to identify callers and facilitate easier operation
of locks and entry systems.
Some form of weather protection should be provided at all entrances. This may be
in the form of a projecting canopy or a recessed entrance. A canopy should extend
the full width of the landing in front of the entrance door. It is preferable that
canopies are suspended or cantilevered above the entrance to avoid the need for
posts or columns that may obstruct the access route.
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For guidance on door security and entry systems, refer to Booklet 2: Entrances
and horizontal circulation, Section 2.6.7.
The threshold of every entrance door should be level. The threshold to all other
external doors, such as external kitchen doors, patio doors, balcony doors, roof
terraces, bin stores, and any communal facilities, should also be level.
The entrance doors to individual houses and flats should provide an effective clear
width of 800mm and incorporate a 300mm unobstructed space adjacent to the
leading edge.
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Checklist – Entrances
• Ensure every entrance and all other external doors have a level threshold.
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Corridors in the communal areas of flats or groups of dwellings should be logically
arranged and provide convenient access between the main communal entrance and
each individual flat. Corridors should be at least 1200mm wide.
The recommended effective clear widths for doors in individual houses and flats
are set out in the table below.
All doors within houses and flats should have a clear space of at least 300mm
adjacent to the leading edge of the door to enable people to reach for the door
handle and manoeuvre clear of the door swing.
Doors that open into rooms, such as living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens, should
be positioned so that the hinge-side of the door is adjacent to a return wall.
Doors to bathrooms and toilets should be designed so that they can be opened
from outside the room in an emergency. Refer to Booklet 5: Sanitary facilities,
Section 5.9.
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Checklist – Horizontal circulation in housing
• Ensure corridors within flats and houses are at least 900mm wide.
• Ensure the width of doors and corridors are as set out in the table.
• Make sure all doors within houses and flats have a clear space of at least
300mm adjacent to the leading edge of the door.
• Ensure doors that open into rooms have their hinges adjacent to a
return wall.
• Design bathroom and toilet doors so that they can be opened outwards in an
emergency.
Lifts should serve all floor levels, including underground parking and floors
containing communal facilities such as a laundry. In multi-storey blocks of flats,
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it is preferable if more than one lift can be provided so that convenient access
can be maintained when a lift is out of action due to breakdown or for routine
maintenance.
In blocks of flats arranged over two or three storeys, the provision of an enclosed
vertical rise platform lift may be appropriate. One should certainly be provided in
blocks of flats where there is no passenger lift and where four or more dwellings
are located on the upper floors. Guidance on the provision of vertical rise platform
lifts is covered in Booklet 3: Vertical circulation, Section 3.9.
In blocks of flats arranged over two storeys in which up to three flats are located
on an upper floor, it may be acceptable for the platform lift not to be installed
at the outset, provided that provision is made for the future installation of a
platform lift. Future provision should include adequate space in an appropriate
location, structural support or framing and the availability of a suitable electrical
supply.
In individual houses that are arranged over two or more storeys, provision should
be made for the future installation of a platform lift, homelift or stairlift. The
platform lift, homelift or stairlift should be capable of serving the entrance level
and all other floor levels of the house. Future provision includes adequate space in
an appropriate location, structural support, framing or trimming of floor joists and
the availability of a suitable electrical supply.
Homelifts (also termed ‘through-floor lifts’) are able to serve two different floor
levels and are typically installed to link a ground floor living room and first floor
main bedroom. In this scenario, houses designed to enable future installation of
a homelift need to be planned so that the main bedroom is located directly above
the living room. Alternative locations are possible for a homelift, such as between
ground floor and first floor circulation areas, storage areas or other rooms.
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Homelifts typically require an area 1500mm x 1000mm for the homelift platform
and mechanism. They also require clear space in front of the 1000mm dimension
for access and egress.
Stairlifts, including chair stairlifts and perching stairlifts, are designed for
domestic use, where they can be tailored to meet an individual’s needs and where
a person can be fully trained in using the equipment. They require adequate
space at the top and bottom landing so that they can be parked when not in
use without causing an obstruction. At the top of the stairs, a space 400mm
wide x 200mm long should be provided in addition to the required clear width of
corridors or landings to enable people to transfer safely onto and off the stairlift
and to allow for the projecting stairlift track. At the bottom of the stairs, a clear
space 700mm long x 400mm wide should be provided for the stairlift to be parked
in the rest position. This space should be in addition to any hallway or corridor
and should be clear of door openings, door swings and any fittings.
• Ensure lifts serve all floors, including underground carparks and other
facilities.
• Where a platform lift is not installed at the outset, provide space, services,
and structural support to facilitate easy installation in the future.
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7.12.7 Services in housing
In houses and flats, consideration should be given to the provision of a power
supply in the form of fused spurs or capped outlets. This will facilitate the
installation of equipment and additional lighting required for future adaptations.
Provision should be made for items such as a platform lift, homelift or stairlift,
ceiling track hoist, electric shower, automatic controls to window opening devices,
electric doors, intercoms, and additional task lighting in the kitchen.
Domestic meters and consumer units should be located where they can be easily
read by people in a standing or sitting positions, and should be positioned at a
height between 1200mm and 1400mm.
The mains water stop-tap should be located where it can be easily accessed and
operated.
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Checklist – Services
The living room and kitchen facilities do not have to be separate or enclosed rooms
but may comprise designated areas within an open-plan arrangement. The living
room should include a space that can be used as a temporary sleeping area and
should be sufficiently large to accommodate a single bed, cupboard and drawers,
with a 1200mm-wide clear space to the side of the bed for access and for the
transfer to and from the bed. The principal floor level should also incorporate space
and be plumbed for the future installation of a level-access shower.
In each main living area, the kitchen, and at least one bedroom, sufficient
space should be provided to facilitate easy access by people using wheelchairs,
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scooter users, and people who use walking aids. An unobstructed turning area at
least 1500mm in diameter or an ellipse at least 1700mm x 1400mm long should
be provided. Turning spaces should be clear of radiators and other heaters. In
bedrooms, the turning space should be located at the side of the bed.
• Wherever possible, locate the main living room, kitchen, and an accessible
toilet at the entrance level.
• Provide an area within the living room that can be used in the future as a
temporary sleeping area.
• Ensure the kitchen, main living area, and at least one bedroom incorporate
an unobstructed turning area for wheelchair users, scooter users and people
who use walking aids.
7.13
Historic Buildings and Sites
This section covers historic buildings, historic gardens and landscapes,
archaeological sites, and protected structures in Ireland that represent the
country’s unique heritage.
Historic buildings and sites are a living record and expression of the country’s
social and cultural development, which have developed over centuries and should
continue to be preserved for future generations.
Historic buildings and sites to which the public has access should, as far as is
practicable, be universally designed. Where it is not possible for a whole building
or site to be universally designed, at least part of it should be accessible.
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Everybody should have the opportunity to visit or work within Ireland’s historic
places and be able to do so with ease and dignity. All events and activities
associated with historic buildings and sites should also be universally designed.
•
increase understanding of the principles of conservation and universal
design
• improve awareness and understanding of the relevant legislation and
policy
• provide guidance on preparing an access strategy
• provide illustrated examples of successful solutions where access to
historic buildings and places has been improved
Sometimes the best and most appropriate way to make historic places more
accessible is through management solutions that may sometimes require little
physical intervention or alteration of historic fabric. Well-planned access
strategies, developed at the outset, can avoid excessive intervention and cost.
Where intervention is required, careful, sensitive and elegantly designed solutions
should be prepared and carried out by those with the necessary expertise and
experience. Consultation with the relevant stakeholders, including people
with disabilities; people of any age, size or ability; and local authority access,
planning, building control and architectural conservation officers, will assist in
developing appropriate solutions. The guidance also emphasises that in order to
improve access to historic buildings and places successfully, it is necessary to
address both conservation and accessibility needs in an integrated manner.
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considerations and should be the subject of continuous review and improvement.
These all contribute to the visitor experience and general enjoyment, as well as
improving accessibility to services and information for everyone.
The use of well-designed signage and landmark features to aid orientation around
a building or site will improve access for all visitors.
The opportunity to improve physical access to historic buildings and sites may
arise as part of a programme of repair, improvement or adaptation and should
be undertaken in a way that maximises accessibility without compromising the
historical significance or characteristics of a site. New-build visitor facilities
incorporating interpretation centres, toilets, and cafés should be universally
designed.
• Take every opportunity to improve physical access such as during repair and
maintenance programmes.
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7.13.1 Conservation principles
One of the acknowledged principles of conservation is to ensure that buildings
remain in active use. The survival of many historic buildings depends on their
ability to serve a useful purpose so that they continue to be cared for and
maintained.
It is preferable that buildings retain the use for which they were originally
designed and constructed, as in this way they will preserve more of their original
character. However, this is not always possible; good conservation practice should
enable a building to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of society and
the community served by the building, while retaining its particular historical
significance. Changes that facilitate improved access for all are an essential factor
in the long-term viability and sustainability of any historic building or site.
Where major interventions or additions are required, these should add to the
distinctive qualities rather than compete with or overwhelm the building or
place, and in time, they should become valued elements in their own right. In
some instances, the appropriate design solution may be to adopt the historic
style, however care should be taken to ensure authenticity of detailing and
specification, as pastiche versions will only detract from the original.
More often, a contemporary design of high quality will be most appropriate and
the approach should generally strive for minimal visual impact and high quality of
material. These new elements should not visually dominate.
• Consider new uses that may enable historic buildings to remain viable.
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7.13.2 Making changes to historic buildings
When making changes to historic buildings, construction methods that are
reversible, or predominantly reversible, should be used wherever possible. This
offers the potential for the structure or fabric to be returned to its original form at
some point in the future. In every aspect of work, from repairs and refurbishments
projects to major additions, only materials and workmanship that are appropriate
to the building or site should be utilised.
Alterations to buildings and sites should minimise the impact on the original
fabric. Changes that adversely affect the character of a building either internally
and externally are likely to be considered inappropriate.
Where alterations are being considered to parts of the original building fabric,
they should be seen as contributing to the historical development of the
building or structure. Many historic buildings have been added to or altered
over generations and changes implemented in the twenty-first century should be
regarded as a continuation of this process.
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7.13.3 Detailed design of historic buildings
This section covers issues pertinent to key elements of heritage buildings and
sites. It does not provide standardised design criteria as this is not appropriate for
historic buildings and sites.
In every case, creative and innovative solutions – ones that suit the context and
character of the building or site in question – should be sought to overcome
particular barriers to access. The case studies linked to this section provide
examples of buildings in which access has been improved in a sensitive and
successful way.
7.13.3.1 Entrances
The aim in every building should be for the main entrance to be universally
designed. The presumption is not that a ramped or accessible entrance should be
to the rear of a building or via a service entrance. Similarly, the main entrance
should be permanently available rather than sometimes dependent on the
provision of a temporary ramp.
In many historic buildings, entrances are raised above ground level for practical or
aesthetic reasons. In some properties, the entrance and internal floor level were
required to be raised above the external ground level in order to prevent water
ingress during flooding. In others, particularly in larger properties, the entrance
was raised to increase the sense of grandeur and was an integral part of an
imposing plinth or portico accessed by steps.
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In some cases, such as where the change in level is relatively small and there is
sufficient external space, it may be appropriate to modify the external ground
levels in order to provide level access at the entrance door threshold.
7.13.3.2 Doors
In historic buildings, doors are typically an integral part of the design, with
the size, proportion and detailing contributing to the character of the property.
Many doors, both external and internal, can be very heavy due to their size and
solid construction. This will make access difficult for many people, but could be
overcome through the use of automatic or powered door-opening devices. As
technology advances, such devices are becoming more slimline and discreet.
Wherever possible, door thresholds should be level to facilitate easy access for all
and to avoid potential trip hazards. However, in some buildings, a raised threshold
will be an integral component of the door or building structure, such as raised
sill plates in a timber-framed building. The use of temporary fillets either side
of the raised sill plate provides an alternative method of bridging the change in
level on either side of the door. Where raised or stepped thresholds are provided
as a means of preventing water ingress to a building, an alternative means of
weatherproofing will need to be found if external ground levels are modified or
an external landing created at floor level in order to improve access. Adequate
drainage will be required externally and an appropriate weather seal should be
added to the base of the door.
For further guidance on the use of automatic door systems, refer to Booklet 2:
Entrances and horizontal circulation, Section 2.6.6.
7.13.3.3 Ramps
Ramps are generally preferable to platform lifts as they can be used independently
at all times. Platform lifts can break down and may have to be taken out of action
periodically for servicing and maintenance. This can result in a particular area of a
building not being accessible to some people. Ramps, however, can take up a lot
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of space, particularly if they have a substantial rise, and require a series of ramp
slopes and intermediate landings.
Platform lifts can be used but are often reserved for wheelchair users; this can
serve to segregate people, and is of no benefit to people pushing strollers and
pushchairs, or for people using trolleys.
Where ramps are provided, they should follow the guidance in Booklet 1: External
environment and approach, Section 1.5.2 for external ramps and Booklet 3:
Vertical circulation, Section 3.6 for internal ramps.
All ramps in historic buildings should be carefully detailed so that features such
as skirting boards, dado rails, and panelling are dealt with sensitively.
Temporary ramps are typically unsightly and often require the intervention of
management personnel, particularly if they are portable and are only put in place
when the need arises.
Temporary ramps are not considered suitable as a long-term solution. They may
be considered suitable as a short-term solution while approval for permanent
modifications are made, where access to a building or room is required for a short
period of time such as when a facility is temporarily relocated, or when access to
a building or room is very infrequent. Temporary ramps should follow the same
design criteria as permanent ramps in relation to ramp gradient, slope length, the
spacing of intermediate landings and the provision of handrails.
7.13.3.4 Staircases
The central staircase within many historic properties is a key feature and
expression of the grandeur of the place. In many cases, it will not be appropriate
to make any significant adjustments, even if the step size and profile or the
handrails do not meet current requirements. However, improvements may still be
possible to the stair covering and artificial lighting.
Handrails and balustrades are often highly decorative and an integral part of
the stair design, but may not be sufficiently high or of a profile that is easy to
hold. In some cases, the provision of supplementary handrails, designed to be in
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keeping with the original handrail, may be possible, either mounted on an outside
wall or positioned immediately adjacent to the existing balustrade.
Passenger lifts or preferably Evacuation lifts – Where there is more than one floor
level or a significant change in level within a storey, the preferred option is for
the installation of an evacuation lift. The location of a lift within an historic
building will require careful consideration to ensure it is easy to access at all
floor levels whilst minimising structural modification to the existing building
fabric. Guidance on the design of passenger lifts is covered in Booklet 3: Vertical
circulation, Section 3.7.
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Checklist – Detailed design for heritage buildings and sites
• Ensure ramps are carefully detailed, particularly where they abut features
such as skirting boards, dado rails and panelling.
• Consider the use of a vertical rise platform lift where it is not possible to
install a passenger lift.
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7.14
Outdoor Access
This section covers access to the outdoor environment, encompassing natural,
tempered, and tamed landscapes in all their forms.
Tamed landscapes include facilities such as playgrounds, urban parks and city
squares, all of which have been designed and created to provide specific amenities
in a controlled environment.
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Image 7.15 Example of a tempered landscape.
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Image 7.16 Example of an urban park (Tamed landscape).
People access all forms of landscape in two ‘ways’, the most obvious is for the
purpose of making a particular journey or visit or for recreation. It is important
that people regardless of age, size or disability can access and enjoy the
landscape and outdoor amenities, and be able to share in outings with family or
friends.
Information should be available in the form of published guides, via the internet
and via helplines or tourist information centres. Information should always include
references to accessibility and any facilities provided.
Where maps are provided, they should illustrate path gradients highlighting steep
paths, See Booklet 1: External environment and approach, Section 1.5, and
other challenges such as gates or uneven surfaces as well as facilities such as car
parking areas, toilets, and information displays.
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Detailed aspects of the external environment, such as vehicular access, the
design of pedestrian access routes, changes in level, surface materials and street
furniture, are covered in Booklet 1: External environment and approach.
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Image 7.17 Example of a natural landscape with a couple pushing pram on a beach.
Most visitors to remote places are unlikely to venture out alone, and remote
places become much more accessible when assisted. Furthermore, outside support
is not generally expected in remote places and individuals and groups usually
prepare to be self-sufficient. Potential obstacles such as stiles or gates onto
a mountain path should be easy to negotiate, without having to make special
provision, and without affecting the challenge of the pursuit. A path may reduce
the difficulty of access for some people and a well-designed path or route will
enable access for many.
This does not mean that all natural landscapes are expected to be as accessible
as urban landscapes. What it does mean, however, is that if a new element, such
as a route or signage, is to be provided, good accessibility should be the goal.
Where alterations to existing environments or facilities are being undertaken,
they should be made to be as accessible as possible. Changes in the environment
should not inadvertently create obstacles to access, and existing obstacles should
be removed where possible. Access routes should be well maintained so that they
are safe and as easy as possible to use.
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Image 7.18 Example of a natural landscape with an ancient dolmen.
Although these landscapes appear natural, they have been formed and controlled
to a great extent by the activities and livelihoods of the people who have lived
and worked there. In the past, people have cleared forests for timber and drained
land for agriculture and this has changed the landscape. People have planted
hedgerows and built walls to enclose land and corral animals, and woodlands have
been planted to create shelter and microclimates, habitats and visual amenity.
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Image 7.19 Example of a tempered landscape and a heritage site.
In the more recent past, further interventions have been made in these
landscapes, on a more detailed scale, such as the creation of rights of way,
gates, fences and signs, all of which facilitate access across the terrain. These
features should be universally designed and provide the maximum opportunity
for everybody to enjoy, experience and partake in outdoor activities. Tempered
landscapes typically also have buildings associated with them such as
interpretative centres, public toilets and cafés. These should all be universally
designed and follow the guidelines in the appropriate booklets in this series.
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The natural and tempered landscapes are commonly visited by choice and
characteristically involve a degree of challenge. By contrast, it is necessary for
everyone to negotiate the public spaces in villages, towns and cities in order to
carry out daily activities. Such places should not therefore present a challenge to
access or use, and it should be possible for everybody to enjoy the spaces with
the highest level of independence.
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Image 7.21 Example of a tamed landscape and heritage site.
• Ensure existing routes and facilities are well maintained at all times.
• Ensure all buildings associated with outdoor environments are accessible to all.
7.14.2 Mountains
Mountains pose many difficulties for people who wish to access them, yet this is
often the motivating force for people to try. Whether people are mountaineering,
hill walking, orienteering, or undertaking a pilgrimage, reaching the destination
and arriving safely back is a satisfying experience.
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Consideration should be given to universal access, even in remote places, to
ensure that a right of way is not blocked by a cattle grid, for instance, or that
signage offers clear information. These are often issues for land managers, who
should ensure that rights of way are maintained.
There may be opportunities within the natural landscape, such as in areas where
telecommunications masts and wind turbines are located, to permit access via
service tracks. Where this is the case, the provision of a small car park, accessible
gates, and a simple information panel will greatly enhance the potential for
people who may not be able to access local or uneven footpaths.
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Image 7.23 Negotiating a mountainous forest trail.
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7.14.3 Peatlands
Indiscriminate access to raised bogs, blanket bogs, and fens, which constitute
Ireland’s peatlands, causes erosion and damage to the delicate habitats and
the archaeology associated with them. On the other hand, it is only by visiting
these bogs that the public can fully understand their ecological importance and
sensitivity, and learn about conservation. Networks of paths and boardwalks across
sites give some protection because they keep people off the delicate surface and
can direct them away from sensitive areas. Where this form of management is
implemented, information panels, car parks, and paths should all be universally
designed.
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7.14.4 Beaches
Beaches offer a unique experience of being in wide-open space, of being close to
the sea and very often of being in touch with extremes of weather. They are the
focal point of many holiday destinations and tourist areas, with recreation and
leisure facilities located close by. However, the often wide expanse of a beach can
present difficulties in terms of orientation and wayfinding for some people. In
addition to this, the variable nature of the sand or pebbles presents difficulties
to certain people, in particular to those pushing prams or pushchairs and people
using wheelchairs or motorised scooters.
The provision of firm boardwalks over the surface of the sand or pebbles is one
way of providing a suitable level route along a seafront or onto a beach. Some
flexible and temporary surfaces made from timber or recycled plastic boards
or mats may also be appropriate, and can be rolled out to give greater access
onto the otherwise soft or uneven surface. Such provision will also assist with
orientation for people with visual, cognitive and learning difficulties.
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The wide expanse of beaches and the noise generated by large numbers of
holidaymakers, coupled with the noise from crashing waves, means that
communication via markers such as flags can be effective, particularly for people
with hearing difficulties. However, this will not be effective for people with visual
difficulties; they tend to benefit more from audible announcements or audible
warning signals in areas that are patrolled by lifeguards.
Sand dunes are frequently under threat from erosion caused by too many visitors.
Like peatlands, they are places that people enjoy visiting, and need to visit in
order to learn more about them.
The provision of path and boardwalks facilitate access whilst minimising erosion;
all should be universally designed.
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they also protect sensitive areas by guiding people along designated routes. All
paths should be universally designed.
Natural heritage areas often include information points and hides in order to
experience and learn about the flora and fauna. Where hides or screens are used,
peepholes should accommodate viewing from different heights. Most people are
more comfortable viewing from a seated position and lower heights also suit
children.
• Install hides and screens suitable for people with different eye levels.
• Incorporate spaces for wheelchair and scooter users, parents with strollers,
people using walking aids, and guide dog users in seating areas.
Viewing points are frequently located close to car parks, where designated
spaces for people with disabilities should be provided, as Booklet 1: External
environment and approach, Section 1.4.
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Where access to a viewing point involves crossing a road, it is imperative to
consider good sightlines, signage and surfacing to indicate the crossing point.
Where the viewing point is some distance from a car park, information should
be clearly displayed indicating the distance and nature of the route to enable
people to make choices and be adequately prepared. The presence of steps, for
example, should be clearly indicated in advance to provide adequate warning to
people using wheelchairs or motorised scooters, and for parents pushing prams or
pushchairs.
Where a step-free route is not practical, access to an alternative viewing area may
still be possible and is likely to be preferable to no access at all. For example,
where steps are required to access a viewing point at the top of a waterfall, an
alternative viewing area at the bottom with level access from a car park is still
likely to provide a spectacular view and close encounter with the natural feature.
Information about the characteristics of both routes and viewing points should
be provided in the car park so that people are prepared and are able to make
informed choices about the route they take.
Many viewing points will be located in elevated positions and require barriers and
guardrails for protection.
Safety is of primary importance and the provision of a safety barrier, 920mm high,
will allow most people, including wheelchair users, people of smaller stature,
and children, to see over it. If it must be higher than this, it may be possible to
provide seating or a viewing point away from a barrier that allows people to see
over it. Gaps in railings should be less than 100mm so that children cannot get
their heads stuck.
The safety barrier may also be useful for providing a ledge to lean on when
looking through binoculars. A fixed telescope that is adjustable in height and with
legroom beneath will allow many people to use it.
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P Checklist – Viewing points
The provision of car and coach parking should enable people to alight close to
the main facilities, when required. It may also be appropriate to establish an
arrangement whereby public service buses drop off and collect passengers at one
or more locations within the site, rather than at a remote point along the park
boundary or at the end of a long drive.
The size and nature of country parks is such that organised and ongoing
maintenance will be required, often requiring paths or access routes that are
accessible to vehicles. This type of infrastructure provides the opportunity for
circuitous paths, or overlapping and alternative routes with different or multiple
functions that are universally designed.
Where running tracks are provided around a park, these generally require a firm,
even surface with no trip hazards, characteristics that also render them suitable
for many other people. In some instances, the use of surfacing of different grades
will be necessary; other factors such as path widths, signage, and tactile warnings
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will need to be carefully coordinated to ensure the safety of everyone using the
park.
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P Checklist – Access to country parks
• Locate car parks and setting-down points close to the main facilities.
• Investigate whether public service buses could drop off and collect
passengers at suitable locations within a site.
• Maximise the use of service tracks for other vehicles or to provide firm paths
around a site.
• Carefully select surface materials for paths to ensure easy access for all.
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Woodlands can be diverse in character and whilst some may have difficult terrain,
many will be easy to access. As with all places mentioned so far, adequate
information provided upfront will enable people to make choices about a potential
visit and to arrive prepared for the challenges they face.
Where ornamental or exotic trees are planted as an arboretum, people will want
not only to admire the trees but also to identify and study them. People are
often interested in the botanical and Irish names of trees, not just the common
ones. Labels and information should therefore be readily identifiable, positioned
within easy viewing distance or reach, and incorporate raised letters or symbols in
addition to well-contrasted text (minimum 18 point).
The shapes and texture of leaves, the scent of flowers, leaves and fruit and the
feel of bark are all important in enjoying and understanding trees, so it should be
possible for everyone to get close to important specimens.
123
Image 7.29 Wheelchair user using forest path.
• Make sure labels and information are easy to read and incorporate raised
text and symbols.
124
7.14.9 Picnic areas
Picnic areas should be located on level sites in sheltered microclimates, with
the option of shade provided by vegetation, the natural landscape or adjacent
buildings for people with sensitive skin. Picnic areas should be easily and directly
accessible from an associated car park and clearly signed. However, this does not
necessarily mean they should be immediately adjacent as this makes the picnic
area a less desirable place to be and will expose people unnecessarily to exhaust
fumes and noise from vehicles.
Picnic tables and seats should be designed so that they do not topple when
unbalanced. A clearance of 700mm to the underside and a tabletop surface 750 to
850mm above ground level should facilitate universal use.
Where tables and chairs are joined in the same construction, people should not
have to climb across beams or other supports in order to access the seats and
space should always be available for a person using a wheelchair to sit at the
table.
A firm, level surface of 2000mm width around the perimeter of the picnic table
and seats will provide comfortable and convenient access for all users including
wheelchair users; parents with strollers; people using walking aids; and guide dog
users. The surface should be well drained and flush with the surrounding ground
level.
Litter bins should have an overall height of approximately 1300mm, a bin opening
at 1000mm above ground level, and a lid to prevent litter being blown around.
Provision of sanitary facilities adjacent to picnic areas will facilitate a wide range
of users.
125
P Checklist – Picnic areas
• Locate picnic sites in close association with a car park, but not
immediately adjacent.
• Provide firm, level picnic tables with clear space for wheelchair users.
Sanitary, laundry, washing, and cooking facilities, where provided, should all be
universally designed. Spaces for campers who require close access to accessible
toilets and other facilities should be available if required.
Plug-in electric points should be mounted on posts so that they are within reach
of all campers, and should contrast visually with adjacent surfaces so that they
are clearly visible.
Where paths, steps and ramps are provided within the campsite or caravan park,
they should be universally designed. For detailed guidance on the design of these
features, refer to Booklet 1: External environment and approach, Section
1.5.2.
Where there are no permanent access routes, such as on fields used as temporary
campsites, consideration should be given to the provision of temporary removable
surfaces to facilitate easier access to key facilities.
126
Fire rings, barbeques and cooking stands should only be provided where there is no
risk of fire hazard to nearby vegetation. The surface around them should be solid
with a perimeter of minimum 2000mm clear access. Cooking grills and tray heights
should be easily adjusted. A fire point should be accessible, with water or sand and
a bucket readily available to extinguish the fire when it is no longer needed.
• Ensure camp sites and caravan parks are logically arranged with clear
P
access routes.
• Make sure all main facilities are readily identifiable and accessible to
everyone.
7.14.11 Waterways
Waterways encompass canals, some sections of navigable rivers, marinas, and
harbours. These are increasingly being used for recreation, with canals in particular
having been revitalised in recent years. Travelling on Ireland’s waterways offers an
extraordinary alternative view of the landscape and should be available to everyone
who chooses to pursue it.
Towpaths on canals and navigable rivers offer an ideal opportunity for recreation,
not just for travelling along but also for fishing and even bathing. Whilst towpaths
are typically flat for long stretches, they can also pose challenges when they go over,
rather than under, bridges or across weirs and locks. In any of these instances, when
repairs or alterations are required, the opportunity should be taken to maximise
accessibility. Careful consideration should be given to the provision of non-slip
127
surfacing, warning signs and the installation of guardrails or handrails, as with any
situation that might pose a hazard.
Marinas, landing stages and jetties for angling should all be universally designed,
as should associated facilities such as car parking and public toilets. Any fittings,
such as waste water disposal, taps for drinking water, and electric points, should
be designed to be accessible and safe for everyone to use.
Marinas and harbours may benefit from maps and signage, particularly if they
cover a large area and encompass alternative access routes. Rules and regulations
associated with waterways, potential hazards, public facilities, and information on
wildlife should all be clearly displayed and available in alternative formats.
128
Image 7.31 Example of an accessible riverfront boardwalk.
Checklist – Waterways
• Ensure access routes, landing stages and jetties in marinas and harbours
are accessible.
• Make sure car parks and toilets associated with waterways are accessible •
to all.
129
7.14.12 Archaeological sites
Whilst many archaeological sites are in grassy fields, the insertion of sensitively
designed paths will assist in orientation and access, whilst routing people away
from environmentally sensitive areas and minimising trampling of meadow
habitats.
For longer distances and very sensitive sites it may be desirable to implement a
bus transportation service from a car park to a monument.
Refer also to Section 7.8.1 for guidance on visitor information and interpretation
centres.
• Consider the use of bus transportation services from a car park to a site.
If unprotected, access routes across fields and along grass paths will inevitably
become muddy and inaccessible with intense use. The provision of duckboarding
or wood chippings provides a drier surface but is unlikely to be suitable for
everyone.
130
Purpose-made, non-slip synthetic or timber planking generally provides a firmer
surface and is more robust, although care should be taken to ensure that the
jointing does not become a tripping hazard.
All sanitary facilities should be clearly identified and have a regular programme
for cleaning and maintenance. For further guidance on sanitary facilities, refer to
Booklet 5: Sanitary facilities.
The location of portable sanitary facilities should take into account the need
for vehicle access, for delivery and emptying. At sites where the frequent use of
temporary sanitary facilities is expected, an area can be designated and provided
with the appropriate water supply and drainage. This will enable direct connection
to mains services and avoid the need for chemical-based toilets, which many
people find less desirable to use.
Private gardens are sometimes open to the public on a temporary basis. Whilst
the small scale of gardens can inhibit access, due to narrow paths, overhanging
vegetation, and uneven surfaces, designing for universal access may create a new
perspective for the garden. Many gardens have a hierarchy of spaces, with terraces
and seating areas that provide ideal locations for people to rest, view the garden
and to socialise.
131
Staff, volunteers and managers of temporary events and owners of gardens open
to the public should be trained in meeting the needs of all potential visitors and
in providing a universally designed service.
• On larger sites, provide accessible toilets at regular intervals and include a
suitable path and ramped access.
7.14.14 Parks
Parks in towns and cities offer places for rest and recreation. They have
traditionally been designed as a ‘natural’ space within the city or for the display of
horticultural talent. They are for the enjoyment of people of all ages and abilities
and are also important for their environmental benefits. Some parks specialise
in historical context, ecological habitat, or sport as part of a broader network
of open spaces, while others offer more comprehensive facilities for recreation,
combining open grass areas with trees, floral displays, and play equipment.
In parks and gardens that are protected because of their historical context,
access issues are no less relevant. It can be a relatively simple matter to design
and incorporate a signage system or to provide information that is universally
designed. It takes a little more skill to introduce sympathetic visual and tactile
132
elements that warn of hazards for people with visual difficulties, young children,
or people with cognitive or learning difficulties.
In all parks, street furniture, such as seats, litter bins, lights, and signs, should all
be placed in a logical formation and beyond the boundary of an access route so
that they do not present an obstruction or hazard. Placement of seats at regular
intervals benefits people with restricted mobility or stamina. For further guidance
on street furniture, refer to Booklet 1: External environment and approach,
Section 1.5.4.
It is traditional in Ireland to close parks between sunset and sunrise. Spaces that
do remain open, such as linear parks, should have the main paths well lit for ease
of access and orientation as well as safety.
Checklist – Parks
• Ensure items of street furniture are logically placed beyond the boundary of
P
access routes.
• Provide lighting to the main paths of parks that remain open after dark.
7.14.15 Cemeteries
Cemeteries are often used as an amenity for tourism and recreation, as well as by
friends and relatives of the deceased.
133
Water taps that are easy to operate and that incorporate a hook to hold a
watering can while it is being filled – or a short hose to fill a can or vase sitting
on the ground – will benefit many people attending to floral tributes. Compost
bins and litter bins for general waste should be accessible and easy to reach.
P Checklist – Cemeteries
• Ensure facilities such as water taps and bins are easy to access and use.
Acknowledging that play is about challenge, a good play space will present a
range of activities for a wide range of ability. Making play spaces accessible
does not reduce the challenge for children and offers opportunities for greater
interaction and for shared experience. Through inclusive play, children learn about
themselves and gain an appreciation of their similarities and differences. They can
build friendships, learn about cooperation and compromise and can take pleasure
in diversity without prejudice.
134
Many designs can be bought ‘off the peg’ from play equipment companies, whose
products have been tested for appropriate health and safety standards.
Rubberised play surfaces are easy to clean and are better able to cushion falls
than wood chippings, gravel, or grass, which get worn away and can act as animal
litter. Where possible, playgrounds should be fenced in to prevent animals (except
assistance dogs) from entering.
Sandpits should be covered when not in use to prevent cats from using them as
litter. The cover should be made in such a way so as to be easy for a child to
remove, and should be non-slip.
Consideration should be given to the way in which all children use play
equipment. A child who uses a wheelchair, for example, may be able to transfer
onto a slide or climbing structure, but needs a way of returning to the wheelchair
after completing the course. All children learn to develop balancing skills through
play, and some may benefit from the provision of appropriate handrails and
supports on play equipment.
135
P Checklist – Playgrounds, play structures and equipment
• Ensure gates provide a clear opening width of at least 800mm and are
self-closing.
• Ensure the surface of play areas is able to cushion falls and meet relevant
safety standards.
136
Water features, especially ponds, should be designed so that they do not present
a safety hazard. Edging should be firm and non-slip and should contrast in colour
with the surrounding surface.
Raised beds should be designed for use by people with mobility difficulties, wheelchair
users, and people of smaller stature.
Everybody benefits from a garden that stimulates the senses; people may like to touch
and smell plants, or listen to birdsong, the sound of fountains, running water, the
breeze rustling through plants, or the sound of windchimes. These can all create a
sense of perspective and depth of space as well as being a source of delight.
Trees, shrubs, and green and flowering plants can be used to soften the visual and
acoustic environment, and give pleasure to people through their look, smell, feel
and sound. They can also provide sensory clues to help people locate themselves
in a space.
Whether positioned around buildings or used to form a garden, plants can be used
to create features that stimulate the senses and are enjoyable for everyone. Where
appropriately used, plants in gardens contribute to a healthier environment. They
may also provide habitats for fauna, such as birds and butterflies, which are also a
source of pleasure and interest for everybody. Some trees and shrubs can be used
as wayfinders if positioned at key locations in the garden. Garden furnishings and
sculptures can also act as wayfinders.
Gardens and areas of planting associated with buildings, such as planting beds
close to a building entrance, should be well maintained. All plants should be cut
back or trimmed so that they do not overhang paths or seating areas. Creeping
plants should not become a tripping hazard and leaf debris should be regularly
cleared so that paths remain visible and do not become slippery.
137
P Checklist – Gardens and courtyards
• Ensure all garden areas are adequately maintained so that plants do not
obstruct access routes and fallen leaves do not present a trip hazard.
138
A1 Definition of Universal Design
Universal Design
‘Universal Design refers to the design and
composition of an environment so that it can be
accessed, understood and used to the greatest
extent possible by all people, regardless of their
age, size, ability or disability.’
Synopsis of the Disability Act, 2005.
It states that: Physical, sensory and mental abilities vary from person to person
and for individuals as they get older. Diversity is normal. Designers need to be
aware of difference across the range of human abilities, and of associated design
considerations.
139
Walking
For some people walking on the level or up gradients is difficult. Some people
may have a limited walking range, may have difficulty with turning movements
or may use mobility devices such as crutches or a walker. They may need to stop
frequently, to regain strength or catch breath. Design considerations include
provision of handrails, seats at regular intervals, convenient set-down parking
and adequate time for slower pedestrians at road crossings. Designers should
also consider the needs of people walking and engaging in sign language when
designing access to and from buildings plus within the buildings themselves.
Balance
Balance limitations can affect someone’s gait or control of hand movements.
Design considerations include handrails, regular seating, and providing controls
within easy reach. A surface against which a person may stumble against or walk
into should be designed to limit abrasion.
Handling
A significant minority of people are left-handed. Some people may have
restricted use or no use of one or both hands, or may have limits on strength or
precision. Facilities and components should be designed to be suitable for use
with either hand or with one hand only. Handling includes gripping, grasping
and manipulation. Each of these has a different purpose with specific design
considerations. For instance, components should be designed to be easily
held. The circumference of the supporting structure and stability are critical.
Manipulation involves the moving, turning and twisting of components with a
hand or hands. For those who have limited manipulation abilities, size and shape
and ease of movement are critical. Another option to consider is to design for
manipulation by using a pushing, pulling or pressing action using a clenched fist,
or by using the wrist or the elbow.
140
People generally find it easier to push a component, than to pull it. This is
particularly so if the individual uses a wheelchair. Self-closing devices on manual
doors can be difficult for some people to operate, particularly if the doors are
required to resist wind forces. For these reasons, doors that open and close
automatically are preferred.
Lifting
Activities such as opening a vertically sliding sash window and an upward opening
access gate, should be designed to be easily operated with minimal force.
Reaching
Design has a role to play in ensuring that key components in a building or
environment are in easy reach, bearing in mind the range of people’s sizes and
abilities. Having components within easy reach is particularly important for
those with more severe limitations in mobility. The reach range is dependant on
the height and arm length of the person, use of the arms, and the balance and
mobility of the upper body. A ‘comfortable reach range’ has been defined as one
that is appropriate to an activity that is likely to be frequent and in need of
precise execution and that does not involve stretching or bending from the waist.
Putting things within comfortable reach can ensure use by a greater number of
people. An ‘extended reach range’ has been defined as one that is appropriate to
an activity that is likely, neither to need precision nor to be frequent and that can
involve stretching or bending from the waist.
Hearing
People differ in their capacity to hear sound, to determine its direction, its
source, to discern pitch, frequency, volume and variation and to separate out
different sounds. Hearing quality is important for communication, for information,
and for detection of hazards such as traffic. Many people with hearing difficulties
141
use a hearing aid which amplifies all sounds caught by the microphone, making
communications very difficult in noisy environments. Keeping background noise
level low is essential. The selection of structural and surface materials can
make a substantial difference in audibility. Auditoriums, meeting rooms and
reception areas can benefit from additional sound enhancement such as a loop
system. The careful design of illumination can assist in communication such as
lip reading and sign language. Provision of visual information and visual alarm
systems can communicate information to those who have hearing difficulties or
who cannot hear. Designers should also consider the colour and size of rooms
and even the furnishing arrangement as this is very important for visually based
communication. Also the use of vibration as means of sensing others should be
considered.
Sight
Vision allows an individual to be aware of the luminance of surfaces, objects,
form, size and colour. For people who are blind or who have visual difficulties,
the provision of suitable tactile walking surface indicators and tactile or acoustic
warnings at hazardous locations, should provide information on using the built
environment and should limit the risk of injury. The built environment can be
designed for orientation by providing sound cues and tactile cues. An easily
discernible system of ‘way finding’ should also be considered. For people with
limited, but low vision, effective visual contrast between surfaces or objects helps
to identify critical locations. Warning markings on glass surfaces, and markings on
the edges of stair treads, help minimise hazards.
Differences in friction between one floor surface, or one stair tread surface, and
the next should be avoided. Therefore, adjacent surfaces that display different
standards of slip-resistance, or that depend on raised surfaces, should be carefully
considered
Touch
In selecting surfaces in the built environment that people will need to touch
(such as handrails, handles, knobs and controls, tactile information), it is
important to select materials that avoid distress, injury or allergies. Surfaces
should be free of abrasions. Metals that may cause adverse reactions when
touched should be avoided.
142
(c) Mental abilities
Mental abilities include cognition, intellect, interpretation, learning and memory.
People differ in their knowledge, their capacity to understand, reason, or interpret
information. Designing for differences in these capacities helps provide a usable
environment for the population at large, from the very young to the old, and
people of diverse abilities. Means of communication in the environment should
be designed to be immediately and easily understood, and correctly interpreted.
As people age, some experience loss of memory or find it increasingly difficult
to absorb new information, so changes in the environment should be carefully
considered before implementation.
143
Diversity of size
The population contains a diversity of sizes and heights, from children, to the
diversity in the height of fully-grown adults. The positioning of components and
the heights of building elements such as steps should recognise the diversity of
height. Increased weight and girth is now also a feature of the population.
A3 Further Reading
National and international standards
and codes of practice
AS 1428.1-2001 Design for access and mobility. General requirements for access –
New building work.
AS 1428.2-1992 Design for access and mobility. Enhanced and additional
requirements – Buildings and facilities.
AS 1428.3-1992 Design for access and mobility. Requirements for children and
adolescents with physical disabilities.
AS 1428.4-2002 Design for access and mobility. Tactile indicators.
BS 4800: 1989 Paint colours for building purposes (whilst the colours in this
standard cannot be seen on CD-ROM or online the text can still be used).
BS 5395-1:2000 Stairs, ladders and walkways – Part 1: Code of practice for the
design, construction and maintenance of straight stairs and winders.
BS 5588-8:1999 Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings
– Part 8: Code of practice for means of escape for disabled people.
BS 5776:1996 (incorporating amendment No.1) Specification for Powered stairlifts
BS 6440:1999 (Incorporating amendment No.1) Powered lifting platforms for
useby disabled persons – Code of practice.
144
BS 6440:1999 Powered lifting platforms for use by disabled persons – Code
of practice (partially superseded by BS EN 81-40:2008. The remainder of BS
6440:1999 will eventually be superseded by EN 81-41: 2009 Safety rules for the
construction and installation of lifts – Special lifts for the transport of persons
and goods – Part 41: Vertical lifting platforms intended for use by persons with
impaired mobility).
BS 6465-1:2006+A1:2009 Sanitary installations. Code of practice for the design of
sanitary facilities and scales of provision of sanitary and associated appliances.
BS 6571-4: 1989 Vehicle parking control equipment – Part 4: Specification for
barrier type parking control equipment.
BS 7036-1:1996 Code of practice for Safety at powered doors for pedestrian use –
Part 1. General.
BS 7036-4:1996 Code of practice for Safety at powered doors for pedestrian use –
Part 4. Low energy swing doors.
BS 7997:2003 Products for tactile paving surface indicators – Specification.
BS 8300:2009 (Incorporating amendment No.1) Design of buildings and their
approaches to meet the needs of disabled people – Code of practice.
BS 8493:2008 (+A1:2010): Light reflectance value (LRV) of a surface – Method of
test.
BS 8501:2002 Graphic symbols and signs – Public information symbols (AMD
16897).
BS EN 115:1995 Safety rules for the construction and installation of escalators
and moving walkways.
BS EN 15838:2009 Customer contact centres, Requirements for service provision.
BS EN81-70:2003 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts
– Particular applications for passenger and good passengers lifts – Part 70:
Accessibility to lifts for persons including persons with disability.
Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 513 of
2010).
Citizens Information Board – Accessible information for all (2009).
DD 266:2007 (Draft for Development) Design of accessible housing – Lifetime
home – Code of practice.
145
I.S. EN 1991-1-1:2002 – Eurocode 1: Actions on structures Part 1-1: General
actions – densities, self weight, imposed loads for buildings (including Irish
National Annex: 2005).
I.S. EN 81-1: 1999 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts –
electric lifts (Amd 1) (+A3:2009).
I.S. EN 81-2:1999 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts –
hydraulic lifts (Amd 1) (+A3:2009).
I.S. EN 81-70:2003 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts –
Particular applications for passenger and good passenger lifts. Accessibility to lifts
for persons including persons with disability (Amd A1:2005).
I.S. EN 997:2003 (+A1:2006) WC pans and WC suites with integral trap (AMD
Corrigendum 14805) (AMD 16965).
IEC 60118-4:2006 Electroacoustics. Hearing aids. Induction loop systems for
hearing aid purposes. Magnetic field strength (ISBN 978 0 580 50047 3).
International standard for Induction loops. IEC 60118-4.
Irish Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information Provided
by Public Bodies www.nda.ie/website/nda/cntmgmtnew.nsf/0/3DB134DF72E1846A
8025710F0040BF3D/$File/finaldrcode_nda.htm
Key cards should conform to EN 1332. For further information on key cards please
see: http://www.universaldesign.ie/useandapply/ict/itaccessibilityguidelines/
smartcards/guidelines/smartcardguidelines/cards
Lifetime Homes Standard: http://www.lifetimehomes.org.uk
Norwegian Universal design of building standard, 2009.
Passenger Lift Design: The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC; Lifts should conform
to BS 6440.
146
National and international reference documents
2020 Vision – Sustainable Travel and Transport: Public Consultation Document.
Department of Transport.
Bus Based Park and Ride – A Pilot Scheme. A Report to: Dublin Transportation
Office. The TAS Partnership Limited, 2002.
City of London 2006 Facility Accessibility Design Standards. London, Canada,
2006 Promoting Safe Egress and Evacuation for people with Disabilities - National
Disability Authority.
Gallaudet DeafSpace Design Guidelines 2010.
Department of Transport & the National Disability Authority Guidelines for
Accessible Maritime Passenger Transport http://www.nda.ie/website/nda/
cntmgmtnew.nsf/0/45AA46D1F77D7EF2802576DC005C5954?OpenDocument
Department of Transport, UK ‘Traffic Signs Manual’.
Dublin City Council (2007) Variation (No. 21) of the Dublin City Development
Plan 2005 – 2011. Available from: http://www.dublincity.ie/Planning/
DublinCityDevelopmentPlan/VariationstotheDevelopmentPlan/Documents/
AdoptedVariationNo21Spec.pdf.
Guidance on the use of tactile paving surfaces. Department for Transport, UK.
Guidelines for an accessible public administration. Towards full participation and
equality for people with disability. Office of the Disability Ombudsman, Sweden.
Inclusive Mobility. Department for Transport, UK.
International Best Practices in Universal Design. A Global review. Canadian Human
Rights Commission, 2006.
Irish Wheelchair Association: Best Practice Access Guidelines 2010.
Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust.
Parking for disabled people. Department for Transport, UK.
Promoting Safe Egress and Evacuation for people with Disabilities - National
Disability Authority.
Rail Park and Ride Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. Dublin Transportation
Office, 1994.
147
Regulation of Bus services outside the Greater Dublin Area. Department of
Transport.
“Sign Design Guide and Inclusive mobility,” Oxley, P. (2003), Inclusive Mobility.
Department for Transport, UK. www.mobility-unit.dft.gov.uk
Smarter Travel ‘A Sustainable Transport Future’ – A New Transport Policy for Ireland
2009 – 2020. Department of Transport.
List of Illustrations
Page
Figure 7.1 Self-contained fitting room (wall elevation and plan) 35
Figure 7.2 Self-service tray slide 43
Figure 7.3 Example of a study area 56
Figure 7.4 Permanent spaces for wheelchair and scooter users in auditoria 61
Figure 7.5 Example of a bedroom layout 72
Figure 7.6 Example of an accessible shower with WC 73
Figure 7.7 Alternative bedroom layouts 75
148
Index
A
Abilities
age and size 143
mental 143
physical 139
sensory 141
Archaeological sites. See Outdoor access: archaeological sites
Art exhibition venues. See Cultural buildings: displays and exhibits
Assistance dogs 16–18, 44–49, 61–63
dog relief areas 17
signage 48
B
Baby-changing facilities 20
C
Campsites and caravan parks 126
Car parking. See Housing: car parking
Cemeteries. See Outdoor access: cemeteries
Changing areas 34–36. See also Shopping centres and retail outlets: fitting rooms
Checkouts. See Shopping centres and retail outlets: counters and checkouts
Churches. See Religious buildings
Cinemas. See Venues
Concert halls. See Venues
Conference facilities. See Venues
Counters. See Shopping centres and retail outlets: counters and checkouts
Courtyards. See Outdoor access: gardens and courtyards
Cultural buildings 47–59
149
checklist 49
displays and exhibits 51
checklist 54
D
Driveways. See Housing: external approach
F
Fitting rooms. See Changing areas; See also Shopping centres and retail outlets:
fitting rooms
G
Galleries. See Cultural buildings
Gardens. See Outdoor access: gardens and courtyards
Graveyards. See Outdoor access: cemeteries
Guest accommodation. See Hotel, guest and residential accommodation
Guide dogs. See Assistance dogs
H
Historical buildings
detailed design issues 99–103
checklist 103
checklist 96
conservation principles 97–98
Hotel, guest and residential accommodation 69–80
150
bathrooms 79
checklist 80
bedrooms 71–81
checklist 78
checklist 70
Housing 80–94
car parking 81–82
checklist 82
checklist 81
entrances 85
checklist 87
rooms 93–94
checklist 94
services 92
checklist 93
setting-down points 82
checklist 82
I
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind 17
L
Landscape types 107. See also Outdoor access
beaches 116
checklist 117
checklist 112
151
conservation areas 117–118
checklist 118
mountains 112–115
checklist 114
M
Museums. See Cultural buildings
O
Office buildings 23–26
checklist 23
internal environment 24
checklist 25
cemeteries 133–134
152
checklist 134
checklist 107
country parks 120–122
checklist 122
parks 132–133
checklist 133
playgrounds 134–136
checklist 136
waterways 127–132
checklist 129
P
Parks. See Outdoor access: parks; See also Outdoor access: country parks
Passenger facilities 16–18
checklist 18
Picnic areas. See Outdoor access: picnic areas
Playgrounds. See Outdoor access: playgrounds
R
Reading rooms. See Cultural buildings: study areas
Religious buildings 65–69
checklist 66
seating and prayer 67
153
checklist 68
S
Self-service facilities. See Restaurants, Bars and Cafés: self-service facilities
Shopping centres and retail outlets 27–39
assistive equipment 37
checklist 39
powered wheelchairs with integrated shopping baskets 37
shopping trolleys 37
fitting rooms 34
checklist 37
internal circulation 27
checklist 28
Shopping trolleys 37
Shops. See Shopping centres and retail outlets
Smoking areas. See Restaurants, Bars and Cafés: outdoor smoking areas
154
Storage. See Office buildings: workstations and storage
Supermarkets. See Shopping centres and retail outlets
T
Temporary events. See Outdoor access: temporary events
Theatres. See Venues
Toilet facilities 16, 18, 44, 62–63, 69
Travel information 18–22
checklist 22
V
Venues 59–65
audience seating 60–63
checklist 63
W
Waterways. See Outdoor access: waterways
Wheelchairs 16, 20, 28, 31, 33, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 48, 49, 52, 60, 61, 62, 63, 67, 82,
87, 93, 113, 116, 117, 118, 135
Workstations. See Office buildings: workstations and storage
155
156
157
designed by
designed by
designed by
www.nda.ie www.nda.ie
friendly paper stock.
158